This new drama pulls the audience into a Washington, D.C. basement conference room for an intense experience of how we code and decode others and ourselves through our imaginations. More…
Sarah MacIntyre, a presidential appointee parachuted into the Foreign Service, has been assigned two wary young diplomats to develop her pet project: New Training Scenarios for the Resolution of Intractable Global Situations. The three begin to role-play, led by a charismatic woman experienced in persuading men to lay down arms. Suddenly, a rebel group lashes out in a distant country, destroying the tenuous peace recently negotiated by McIntyre. The women’s role-playing becomes increasingly charged, pushing them deeper into the bodies and minds of violent insurgents. Meanwhile, as Washington undergoes its own regime change, their work becomes active weaponry for Sarah’s political enemies.
See it if Banner tries to build up a dramatic situation but fails. What should be strong characters are more like Nancy Pelosi puff balls.
Don't see it if If you want a suspenseful play that leaves you on edge. Banners characters are weak.
See it if Psychological mystery. Strange role-playing exercise challenges young diplomats and reveals their mentor's motivation. Offbeat & original.
Don't see it if You have to suspend a lot of disbelief to buy into this. Dramatic risk taking by the characters feels contrived. Creative but not moving.
See it if you’d like to see a smart, quirky take on the current dismantling of diplomacy underway under the current administration.
Don't see it if intense emotions let loose in a tiny space intimidate you.
Also "Intelligence" is a smart, intense, refreshingly quirky take on how th... Read more Read less
See it if A guidebook for conflict de-escalation is written while a diplomat is debriefed after returning from an area rife with violence and perfidy.
Don't see it if You aren’t prepared to see a meta-interpretation of what the stripped-down State Department may become under the current administration.
See it if Story of difficult diplomacy involving women protagonists replete with ambition, role playing & modern realities.
Don't see it if Serious stuff. Drags a bit midway, then picks up pace for satisfying resolution.
See it if you are are looking for a whipsmart play about politics -- and women place in diplomacy.
Don't see it if you aren't prepared to pay attention. It is somewhat dry but always fascinating. The axis of power turns enough to keep things interesting.
See it if you love thrillers and plots featuring cut-throat competition, and/or you're interested in plays about politics, US foreign affairs, or govt
Don't see it if you care about "character likeablility," or you don't like plays having unanswered questions or details, or mental note-taking
See it if you have an interest in U.S. politics, particularly international relations, and want to see good performances.
Don't see it if you want a cohesive story line. Or if you want a satisfying ending. I'm not sure what message the play was trying to convey.