De Novo

See it if You want to see one deportation case of a young immigrant’s experience in our justice system acted out.

Don't see it if You want some mindless entertainment or if you don’t like to mix politics with your entertainment.

See it if 2019 version at Kingsborough C.C. Ms Weiner still in the cast Powerful story that has to be told. Catch it when it comes near you. Talkback

Don't see it if Not enough publicity so audience much too light.. 60 minutes.Only one performance.

See it if you're interested in a documentary style play which sadly recounts the struggles of a young asylum seeker and a broken immigration system.

Don't see it if you're looking for something fun and frivolous, or don't want to consider important social and political issues in America.

Also The post-show discussion was also worth staying for and added additional context to the larger issues; very educational.... Read more Read less

See it if You appreciate a documentary approach to difficult political situations and have an open mind about immigration and deportation.

Don't see it if You want distance from the performance.

Also Builds tremendous empathy using theatrical devices and great storytelling. There is an obvious bias underlying the work, but if you’re open to the experience, this is powerful theater.... Read more Read less

See it if you like shows that deal with important topics but don't offer any easy solutions

Don't see it if you prefer light fluffy entertainment more than shows that deal with tough issues facing today's world.

See it if you want a front-row seat into the deportation process. It's a heart-breaking story told in a unique way.

Don't see it if you're not open to changing your mind on aggressive deportation policies.

See it if you want to see a powerful representation of a true childhood deportation story which gives insight to makes you think about the outcome.

Don't see it if you like light stories, you have a hard time with intensity in intimate settings, you do not enjoy stories/scripts taken from reality.

See it if you have an interest in immigration and the justice system.

Don't see it if you're looking for an uplifting story.

See it if you love a true story that will shatter you. This play is so relevant now. You must see it.

Don't see it if you don't want to learn about immigration issues that plague so many. Get thee to West 4th Street.

See it if Interested in topical show about undocumented immigration and the system. Find shoes based upon real events and documents intersections

Don't see it if Want a lighthearted show or musical. Want a full fledged show with elaborate sets and production values. Don’t like shows with political pov

See it if You feel strongly about the political isssues regarding undocumented immigrants.

Don't see it if You expect theatre to be more than just “morally good”

See it if you are at all concerned about what values the USA represents in the 21st century of today and understand that we are facing a reckoning ...

Don't see it if you don't like political theater, and amazingly and surprisingly political theater that will move you to tears

See it if A timely work considering all the strife created as the courts tear families apart

Don't see it if If you are not interested in learning about families who are migrating

See it if you see the value in seeing today's real-world stories through the lens of art. De Novo is a phenomenal docu-theatre experience.

Don't see it if you are only going to the theater looking for an escape from the news of the real world, but this play does offer an opportunity to process.

Also A beautiful piece of art. I highly recommend it.

See it if You are interested in theatre that has a political theme and enjoy a good acting ensemble.

Don't see it if Don't want to be exposed to controversial subject matter in a theatrical setting

See it if You want to learn while you enjoy great acting and story telling

Don't see it if You preffer light plays without deep thinking

Also This play portrais in an honest and neutral way the complexity of immigration of minors into the USA. It is a documentary play that is faithful to the facts yet shows the humanity of the people involved in this real life immigration case. Very relevant to our times!... Read more Read less

See it if you're interested in the plight of minors seeking asylum. Edgar's true story is maddening, saddening. Good projections. 4 actors=many parts

Don't see it if you demand highly polished plays. DN is not great theater, but it is great social criticism. The short talkback afterwards was worthwhile.

Also De Novo uses real documents from the case of a 16 year old Guatemalan boy seeking asylum. It is a important issue and the play demands attention. I couldn't help thinking, though, that a documentary film would be more effective. It's awkward to have an adult actor play the 14-16 year old boy. The acting and staging was slightly amateurish, but the play’s good intentions mostly made up for its shortcomings.... Read more Read less

See it if you'd be interested in a dramatized presentation (as opposed to a 'play') of what immigrants to this country face, legal & social issues

Don't see it if you're looking for some light-hearted entertainment; this is a serious offering

Also The talk back after the show, with both the playwright & an immigration lawyer specializing in children's cases was enlightening... Read more Read less

See it if you care about immigration issues, want to learn, can stay for the talk-back

Don't see it if you want a light night out or a traditional show, or if a great deal of dialogue in Spanish (and then translated) will annoy you

Also This is one boy's true story as told through the court documents, brought to life by four talented actors switching from role to role. All the Spanish can be a bit too much, because they will say exactly the same thing in English right after. Nonetheless, I agree it's important for setting the stage.... Read more Read less

See it if look at US justice system- reading of documents of case of 1 undocumented Guatemalan gang member seeking asylum-serious & interestesting

Don't see it if You want light fluffy entertainment--It's a meaty well told look at relevant issues requiring attention and thought...

Also See it.Stay for talk back-participate or just listen. Think about the powerful presentation... Read more Read less

See it if you like documentary theater about immigration.

Don't see it if don't like listening to the dialogue switching between spanish and english.

See it if You have any interest in Immigration issues and want to see a docudrama about one young man's life as he tries to seek asylum.

Don't see it if A very important play that leaves you thinking. Not for everyone, as it is not strictly for entertainment. Don't expect a happy ending.

See it if You care about deported children, you're open to a Spanish/English production that works well, you like a format like The Laramie Project.

Don't see it if You expect elaborate costumes or production numbers.

Also Even if you're on overload with all the awfulness going on right now, this play offers much to chew on and consider about the issue and about how our democracy can work. In the talkback the cast suggests ways to have an impact on this issue.... Read more Read less

See it if Want to learn about the plight of unaccompanied minors fleeing violence in Central America.

Don't see it if You want to be entertained. This is a powerful and heart rendering story.

See it if You like intelligent theater with an absorbing story line. Very thought provoking.

Don't see it if Don't like to think.

Also This play should be seen by everyone, we need to know what really happens to undocumented children who come to the US... Read more Read less