but I cd only whisper
About the show
The Flea Theater presents the story of black Vietnam vet Beau Willie Brown as he attempts to return to the family and life he left behind.
... Read moreCombining monologues, fantasies and flashbacks, 'but I cd only whisper' takes place at the tail end of the Vietnam War as African-American vet Beau Willie Brown attempts to return to the family and life he left behind. Inspired by and featuring extracts from 'For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf' by Ntozake Shange, the show moves through time and space, fusing the physical and the poetic to explore the effects of trauma, society, and self.
"'but i cd only whisper' is one of those stories that reaffirms your belief in new theatre pieces…It breaks your heart with its raw and brutal and well-crafted story. It is pointedly relevant to the world in which we live in today…Lighting, sound, and direction all come together to seamlessly portray the visual, aural, and emotional effects of trauma on a human soul…Toussaint Jeanlouis gives a phenomenal performance." Full Review
"As entertaining and engaging as it is enlightening...'but i cd only whisper' is a play that will grip your heart while igniting your mind. Like the best horror stories, the greatest thrills of the play come from the surprises you simply must see to believe, and I highly recommend that you do see it before its short run at the Flea ends. It’s a refreshingly intelligent play, with brave performances and a keen design, that is truly a standout in this year’s off-off-Broadway season." Full Review
"A powerful, challenging new play...'but i cd only whisper' might frustrate theatergoers who look for a clear-cut beginning, middle and end when they see a play, but Colon’s approach seems true to Beau’s situation and his state of mind...The entire cast is made up of the Flea’s extraordinary resident company, The Bats, who never cease to amaze me with their talent and commitment...No audience member is more than two rows from the action – adding to the power of this special experience." Full Review
"This play is edgy, touching and heartbreaking. Ms. Colón’s script is poetic, as she is clearly in love with her subject and that admiration rubs off into the audience...Beau’s life will make you think of all those men who were sent to war, who are neither fit or strong enough for what this really entails. 'but I cd only whisper' is an American tragedy that happens way too often." Full Review
"Leave it to The Flea to take a subject full of horror and make it, if not quite beautiful, stunning in its humanity...Full of power and emotional punch...This isn’t the kind of play that allows for passive viewing...The show can be intense at times, and Jeanlouis and Kunutu in particular turn in powerful performances that question what it is to be a man, a woman, black, poor, and struggling in America." Full Review
"With the text having its own series of woes, 'but i cd only whisper' happens to be exquisitely performed...Colon’s script jerks around stylistically and director David Monteagudo didn’t quite rein it in together. Like the play itself, Monteagudo’s vision was clunky...Though the play lives in a specific period, Kristiana Rae Colon’s story still rings true. Her thesis within 'but i cd only whisper' is bold but the execution of the script and production was not." Full Review
"The strength of 'Whisper' is in its refusal of reductionist conclusions about Beau...Mr. Jeanlouis endows the character with a magnetism that makes you understand why he would be the subject of such fascinated speculation…But the script is often strangled by its overgrown lyricism and by its surprising tendency toward melodramatic clichés…It’s tempting to think that 'Whisper' might work best as a monologue — or perhaps a duologue with Crystal." Full Review
See it if You like the Flea in general.
Don't see it if You have seen anything else about war vets You dislike violence onstage
See it if You enjoy lyrical, rhythmic writing delivered by very talented actors; for the creative design in a small venue.
Don't see it if If you are sensitive to scenes of war, racism, or sexual violence. If you prefer plays with linear, clearly-defined plots.
See it if High energy performance exploring madness, violence, misogyny, and systemic oppression. Awesome music.
Don't see it if Easily offended
See it if you want to see truly original downtown theater at its finest with an in-your-face subject & awesome performances from up-an-coming actors.
Don't see it if violence or PTSD scenarios are trigger for you.
See it if You like masterfully acted and thought provoking theater
Don't see it if Not for the faint of heart
See it if Dark shows touching on relevant issues is your thing. An interesting space, staging, and riveting story await audiences.
Don't see it if A drawn out play dealing with war, mental illness, gender issuesand pertinent race issues is not your thing.
See it if You want to support some fine actors who are trying their best with a weak script, or if you want a perfect example of Off-Broadway cliches.
Don't see it if You have seen any sort of experimental theater before. This has nothing new for you.
See it if you enjoy intimate, moving theater that deals with difficult subject-matter. Toussaint Jean Louis gives an incredible performance.
Don't see it if you are uncomfortable with violence or are seeking something light and fluffy.
Cast & Creatives (19)
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