Debriefing (FringeNYC) NYC Reviews and Tickets
About the Show
Show-Score Member Reviews (16)
See it if You want to see the complexities of Middle-East politics and US foreign policy.
Don't see it if You become overwhelmed by portrayals of violence.
See it if A well acted show.
Don't see it if Even if you believe the stereotypes, you don't believe in them as caricatures
See it if See it if you want to see something with a sympathetic Muslim character.
Don't see it if You want to see good theatre. Direction is a mixed bag.
See it if You like Homeland or Madam Secretary or spy novels.
Don't see it if You are afraid of current events.
See it if You're a fan of complexity.
Don't see it if You want fluff.
See it if you want to see something that involves the war on terror with a sympathetic Muslim character.
Don't see it if you will be disappointed with the lack of focus, rushed development, and characters' unbelievable tone shifts. I give it a C+ grade.
See it if you are interested in Homeland, homeland security, international relations, Syria or Pakistan
Don't see it if if you are sick of stories about spies or Homeland security.
See it if You love a good drama with some excellent acting.
Don't see it if You're expecting a light hearted evening of theater.
Critic Reviews (3)
"Under the laissez-faire direction of Joan Kane, the scenes often feel like a half-hearted production of Mamet's 'Oleanna' rather than a spy thriller...Despite Gill's contrived plot and implausible dialogue, 'Debriefing' occasionally hits the mark in examining how the expectation of loyalty can cross the line into exploitation and how people come to be seen as expendable in pursuit of a grand crusade. These are huge issues that deserve a regular hearing onstage, just not one this forced."
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"In the last few years several new plays have treated prevailing concerns of espionage or terrorism in a compelling way. Unfortunately, in its current manifestation, this play isn't one of them...Despite the intricate set up of the plot and the cast's very competent acting, interest flags as the belabored and over-written play dissipates its potential energy. Quicker, crisper scenes would cover the same territory while retaining audience attention."
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"The core idea is exciting…Gill writes in a mostly taut style that results in clipped, spare back-and-forth while sometimes launching into more poetic expansiveness…The casually realistic style of performance and direction makes the more florid passages feel discordant and writer-ly…Make no mistake, the stakes are high in the lives of these people, but too often, small events are played with as much significance as enormous ones."
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