Crime and Punishment
About the show
The Russian Arts Theater and Studio's stage adaptation of Fyodor Dostoevsky's book journeys into the mind of a killer and his search for redemption.
In the hot slums of St. Petersburg lives Raskolnikov, a former student struggling with debt and disillusionment. Believing himself to be a superior man, he executes a plan to kill and rob an old pawnbroker, arguing that her money can be used for good deeds, while ridding the world of a worthless parasite. As the growing voice of his conscience sets in, Raskolnikov soon finds the noose of his own guilt tightening around his neck.
"The classic, chilling tale is adapted by Di Zhu...Despite the textual challenge, her smart adaptation brings out the natural drama of the source material...The scenes hit all major plot points while retaining its original comprehensiveness, humor, and heart....All the actors are admirable in their performances…Despite the audacity of the undertaking, Mr. Burago and Ms. Zhu’s 'Crime and Punishment' goes the distance, bringing a revitalized perspective to this classic tale." Full Review
"A retelling of a tortured young academic that is deeply inventive–sometimes to a fault–and that manages to hit all of the major notes of Dostoevsky’s work...In the first third of the play, Zhu and Burago do a fantastic job capturing the bawdy, rowdy characters and crackling dialogue of Dostoevsky’s writing...Zhu and Burago never lose sight of the animating force of Dostoevsky’s novel...Zhu and Burago’s adaptation ends with a major misfire–a rock song that feels needless and even tacky." Full Review
See it if You love Dostoyevsky
Don't see it if You don't
See it if you want to see a masterpiece about homicide, madness, and spiritual regeneration.Intriguing,spellbinding, and great acting.. a must see!
Don't see it if you are a criminal with a guilty conscience.
See it if If you like to think while you watch.
Don't see it if You don't enjoy sinister.
See it if You would enjoy an intense view into the mind of a killer and how he comes to realize the error of his ways. Great acting
Don't see it if You find it dated and have no interest in 19th century Russian sociey, or are upset by gruesome deaths [ a number of characters die]
See it if You like unusual interpretation of classic Dostoevsky
Don't see it if prefer fully blown production (with the proper air conditioning )
See it if You like strong ensemble casts with lovely set and costume design or casts of distinct characters.
Don't see it if You don't like weird contemporary songs mixed into classic theater or complex story lines
See it if You enjoyed the book. The show brings it to life
Don't see it if You are not fond of classic literature
See it if You want to see Russian literature brought to life with imaginative, creative sets and staging- good portrayals of characters.
Don't see it if You want light entertainment. It helps to read Spark Notes before attending show.
See it if you wants to see a classic play with great acting.
Don't see it if you can't sit through the play in a theatre with no AC
See it if You like thoughtful, introspective dramas. Theatre is very warm but cold water balloons provided really helped.
Don't see it if You don't like long Russian dramas or cumbersome over-manipulated set pieces.
See it if You can follow a complicated story. And, surprisingly, if you're a fan of Radiohead.
Don't see it if You're easily distracted by alot of motion and lighting changes onstage
See it if You like theatre this is something that you should go to see, a classic
Don't see it if You don't like mystery writing
See it if you hate Dostoevsky and think his masterpiece should be butchered...or think that the brilliance of the novel lies in the action of the plot
Don't see it if you have any respect for the novel, like good adaptations, or appreciate direction that doesn't find itself much more clever than it is.
See it if You want to see one of the most iconic works of Russian literature brought to life on stage. Not an easy feat!
Don't see it if You are claustrophobic. Theater is hot and quite stuffy.
See it if you want to see amazing acting. Luisa Menzen, playing Dunya stood out especially and gave an extraordinary performance.
Don't see it if you don't like Russian literature.
See it if You enjoy movement and music mixed in with a dark drama. The acting is bold and provocative at times. Very refreshing!
Don't see it if You don't have any familiarity with the Russian temperament.
See it if You like ensemble based acting! A masterpiece constructed with so little! Bravo!
Don't see it if You only enjoy Broadway musicals or full blown productions.
See it if You enjoy emotional shows with lots of fabulous music! Amazing acting from key players!
Don't see it if You prefer logical analysis and naturalistic approaches. This show is extremely stylized and bigger than life!
See it if you have read the novel! This is an incredible adaptation and so theatrical in nature!
Don't see it if You do not know the novel well. You'll be one of the few people left in the dark!
See it if You enjoy anything indie!
Don't see it if You have never read the novel or other naturalistic/realistic theater.
See it if you like Russian classic literature; experimental and innovative production;
Don't see it if you like only Broadway musicals
See it if You know Crime and Punishment well and are familiar with European-style theater.
Don't see it if You are looking for easy entertainment.
See it if you love great acting. Especially Luisa Menzen stood out for me in an extraordinary way. Her performance was mind-blowing.
Don't see it if You are sensitive to heat. The antique theater has no modern air conditioning system.
See it if A must see show if you like personal, imaginative and passionate work. An incredibly creative and loving take on this classic.
Don't see it if It can get a little hot in there. I would say still go see it but bring some ice cold water with you.
See it if You are a Dostoevsky fan, enjoy underground theater, and are well versed in Russian culture and art.
Don't see it if You are looking for a comedy.
Cast & Creatives (17)
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