Draw the Circle

See it if Mushtag Deen's journey through gender transformation is both gripping & heart rendering As much about familial bonds as the personal toll

Don't see it if Transformations from different characters while never confusing at times sloppy Non-linear time line of the story requires patience

See it if Want a deeply personal solo show by the performer/playwright that's insightful, masterful, relevant and important, especially now.

Don't see it if Uncomfortable w mildly graphic details re life of transgender person, don't like shows w gay themes, family conflict.

Also This is a unique solo show. By having his story told through the eyes of all the people who interact with him throughout his life, he doesn't directly show you how he feels about his own journey. Instead, he lets all the other characters reveal who he is and draws the audience in through their reactions and relationship to him. This is a masterful approach.

There was a brief talkback after the show that greatly added to the already moving experience.

Saw this at the Rattlestick Theatre, mid-February, 2018... Read more Read less

See it if experiencing the work of a new emerging playwright is something that excites your theatrical appetite.

Don't see it if if visiting the downtown theater scene doesn’t sound like an interesting way to expand your theatrical repertoire of New York Theater.

Also Mashuq Mushtaq Deen’s new play, Draw The Circle, was an experience in the theater that I will NOT soon forget. Wearing the dual hat of being both the Playwright and performer, Deen acts as our guide, playing all six of the play’s characters in this well woven story of conflict, change and rebirth. Somewhere in the first 30 minutes of the play, I became a bit confused as to which character was which. I eventually found my way back to the characters and was truly glad I did, because by the time the big revelation happened, I was able to enjoy it even more so, especially because I didn’t see it coming. Draw the Circle might not be the play for everyone’s taste, but it sure left me looking at the world in a very different way and I’m surely glad for that enlightenment. Bravo Deen for taking me on this journey with you!... Read more Read less

See it if you like one man shows with multiple characters that will make you think, feel and cry

Don't see it if you don't like self-indulgent diva behavior(stopping the show for someone unwrapping a candy) or the subject of trans people

See it if you may be curious about one person's trans journey; to have a shared experience with your fellow audience.

Don't see it if LGBTQ issues don't interest you; you dislike solo shows; you'd rather see a comedy.

See it if You are interested and do not know, but want to know, about the transgenrder experience. Performed ambitiously.

Don't see it if You are very aware of transgender people and their issues. I don't feel I learned anything. This was one persons story.

See it if You like one person personal journey plays with an emotional theme.

Don't see it if You don’t want to follow many narratives from different characters all played by one person. Don’t want to see a play about transitioning.

See it if Great acting and richly-populated narratives float your boat. Because this one-person show is so well done, it feels like a play.

Don't see it if You're not interested in someone's story, no matter how unusual and affecting.

See it if you care about trans or LGBTQ issues or issues about People Of Color. You want a uniquely autobiographical look at these communities.

Don't see it if solo shows aren't your bag.

See it if you enjoy hearing personal stories performed on stage, and love plays about love, family, and identity.

Don't see it if one-man shows bore you, or you don't like hearing about LGBTQIA+ issues.

See it if you want to see a powerful story presented with grand emotion.

Don't see it if you're rude.

See it if You like original new plays about modern culture

Don't see it if you're offended by non traditional gender and sexuality issues

See it if You like intimate, funny, and searing plays on expectations between parents and children, what it means to belong, and unconditional love

Don't see it if You're not comfortable with talk of transgender identities, queerness, immigrant families, or suicidal thoughts

See it if Looking to understand how to be yourself, love stories about people, or are exploring gender

Don't see it if You don't want to think

See it if You appreciate honesty

Don't see it if You are expecting a musical

See it if You’ve ever imagined how other people’s lived intersect with your own

Don't see it if You won’t come with an open mind

See it if You would like to enjoy an incredible story concerning the human condition.

Don't see it if You hate humanity and everything good.

See it if thru portrayal of multiple characters movingly & w humor shows playwright's gender journey; special spice: his parents are Indian Muslims

Don't see it if there's nothing greatly insightful about the journey, does not cut to the bone; characters w some exceptions stereotypes

See it if you want to see a love story. This autobiographical play is a brave look into family & close relationships of a trans man as he transitions

Don't see it if you are trans or homophobic. This is a very personal play, if you can leave your stereotypes and preconceived notions at home.

See it if you are willing to listen to the position of an Indian Muslim family dealing w/ their transgender child + gain insights into their feelings

Don't see it if you are unwilling to give a one performer a show a chance no matter how well told.

See it if You want a well written, acted, staged one person show giving you incredible insight into the emotional and physical journey of a trans man.

Don't see it if You simply can't be empathetic to another human being based on preexisting bias.