Burning Doors NYC Reviews and Tickets
Member Reviews (8)
See it if you want to see a strong example of necessary, provocative and politically "dangerous" theatre from Belarus
Don't see it if you aren't interested in theatre as witness to political repression, or don't believe theatre can/should be a vehicle for resistance Read more
See it if You want to have your mind blown by this very physical, intense exploration of what it means to be free and the courage to fight for it.
Don't see it if some of the sounds and lights and nudity offend you. Read more
See it if You don’t get disturbed by watching the political rage & the horrible side effects of its resistance
Don't see it if You can’t take intense torture scenes
See it if you want to see powerful, impactful political art and learn about Belarusian and Russian injustices on artists.
Don't see it if you don't like experimental theatre. The show is very physical and the content is at times hard to swallow. Important to see though.
See it if You're into experimental theater and free speech and the plight of political prisoners is important to you.
Don't see it if You're not into experimental theater, nudity or violence in the theater. Read more
See it if physical theatre and performance art are your jam, and you're looking for a whirlwind show that barely lets you breathe.
Don't see it if you're looking for a traditional straight play and simple/linear narrative.
See it if You want to see vibrant, political theater.
Don't see it if You want a clear, easy to follow narrative show that makes you feel good.
See it if you like physical, honest, powerful theatre; if you're not afraid of intense and relevant subject matter (and nudity)
Don't see it if you can't handle honest intense real-life theatre about political abuse; if nudity makes you uncomfortable; if you only like light theatre Read more
Critic Reviews (23)
“The astonishment of 'Burning Doors' — conceived and staged by the troupe founders and artistic directors (in exile), Khalezin and Koliada — is its ability to translate political rage and impotence into an art of indirection that is often as complex as it is powerful...An open-ended portrait of both the sociology and psychology of the artist as rebel in Eastern Europe...‘Burning Doors’ is from the friction of artists as arsonists — in motion, at war and determined to scorch."
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"This is a smart, smoldering, physically brutal piece of theater...A slowly building, ultimately stunning exploration of the Russian regime’s oppression of artists. For American audiences, 'Burning Doors' is a kind of exposé. It’s also a demonstration of the artist’s inextinguishable freedom in the face of a kind of tyranny that most of us have no real means to comprehend...The show is a painful and purposeful test of its performers’ endurance."
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"The show is performed with high energy, though each story feels like a mixed bag of styles that aren't always cohesive. Still, the vitality of the subject matter shines through, especially now...Transitionally, it's a little difficult for the audience to figure out what's going on — the actors alternate various roles without much change in costumes and demeanor...The most essential piece of political theater New York has seen in a long, long time."
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"Keeping track of who is playing who and what each highly stylized moment is supposed to represent can be a bit confusing....If the people and issues referenced in 'Burning Doors' are not exactly familiar to Americans watching, there is still a great emotional impact to be felt just from the realization that, upon returning home, the brave artists participating in this piece can, at any time, be in the position of the tortured prisoners they play."
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“A theatrical collage that depicts political oppression in Russia...Its pacing periodically lags. It’s uneven in totality but there are quite compelling portions...Mr. Khalezin’s precise direction and Bridget Fiske and Maryia Sazonava’s vigorous choreography result in often arresting stage pictures...’Burning Doors’ is a fitfully effective work of agitprop for a noble cause that’s stimulating, though imperfectly realized.”
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"'Burning Doors' holds up a magnifying glass to reality and sheds a brutally honest yet sympathetic light on three radical artists who have been treated like terrorists...Although much of the violence is represented in an almost poetic way, the brutality of what takes place assaults your senses and transports you to the prison cells of the world: piss, sweat, and cinders from the burning doors, along with songs about freedom bursting from every corner."
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"This dazzling company not only acts, but also dances and performs astonishing acrobatic feats to dramatize the stories...The result is a series of vivid, arresting images that will haunt you...For the spoken dialogue, Khalezin has masterfully drawn Dostoevsky’s novels...Such displays of artistic heroism and perseverance are humbling for those of us who take our artistic freedoms for granted...BFT is an abiding inspiration for all who cherish those freedoms."
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"The play focuses on the mental, physical, and spiritual torture of prison and the various methods used to break one down...’Burning Doors’ is intense and profoundly physical alternative theatre...The performers are strong in mind, voice, and body...It is an extremely moving and relevant piece of theatre. It is not for the faint of heart...This work is important...A visceral and intellectual evening you will not forget."
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