Chimpanzee

See it if you’d like to see a lowkey consideration of the care non-human primates deserve, with a remarkable puppet at its core.

Don't see it if you need a living, breathing human being to be the center of the theater you attend.

Also The solo puppet in “Chimpanzee” is a marvel of construction, feeling more like ancient sculpture than a typical puppet. That it’s at least as big as a real Chimp contributes to its emotional heft. The plot depicts a caged Chimp who alternately experiences scenes in a much wider world. Some feel realistic, though beyond typical animal experience, & some feel wildly fanciful. A few—like a sequence in a bathtub—are magical. During the play the puppet’s 3 human handlers break out a few times to play a human interacting with the Chimp; in their skill & gravity they contribute much to the overall atmosphere. The story changes pace & register easily, taking us to several different levels of the Chimp’s universe. Scenes are often deeply affecting without getting precious. The message, about humane treatment of animals, never gets preachy. That the play successfully avoids all clichés about non-human primate behavior supports its contention that these creatures are worthy of our regard & care.... Read more Read less

See it if Ascribing personification to-scale puppetry creates a world of wonderment in its deep soundscape. Attentive care to cost of a life un-lived.

Don't see it if Dialogue-free as the art itself speaks breathtaking volumes.

Also Finds what's missing from "Kong."

See it if you like great puppetry

Don't see it if you prefer human actors.