See it if you're familiar with Oresteia and want to see an excellent interpretation that both stays true to the original and provides a fresh viewpoin
Don't see it if Some prior familiarity with the story might be useful though by no means necessary. Read more
See it if Like a contemporary, fast-paced telling of classic stories
Don't see it if You're looking for fancy staging or set
See it if You think ancient Greek dramas can be brought to life in mixed vernacular, and are unafraid to scrutinize given history from another's view
Don't see it if You have no tolerance for a bit of histrionic over-the-topness in your Greek tragedies.
See it if You are interested in a Greek tragedy told with a lot of fun by an ensemble that works well together. Special note to the Furies.
Don't see it if You are claustrophobic or don't want to sit in the front row.
See it if you like Greek drama, don't mind a mix of modern and classical vernacular, & want a treatment of contemporary issues in a historical setting
Don't see it if you expect high production values, a polished and professional presentation, or subtle, nuanced acting. The quality of acting was varied.
See it if U like intimate settings & watchg good actors up close. The writing brings some modern slang to classical language-basically for a laugh.
Don't see it if U want a spectacle. This is bare-bones but inventive. U don't like being touched. There is some actor-audience contact. U hate Greek tragedy
See it if You want to watch the reworking of a Greek tragedy. The show successfully grasps the meaning of ancient tragedy. Solid acting.
Don't see it if You want to see a big production, this one is really small. The beginning is also a little tedious, but overall I enjoyed it.
See it if You like greek tragedies, running all around the stage and theater
Don't see it if You don't like small, intimate productions.
"As presented by Hunger & Thirst Theatre, Mark Jackson's 'Messenger #1' is a modern adaptation of the Greek trilogy by Aeschylus which reinvents the tale for contemporary audiences. With a cast of six superb actors, Hondo Weiss-Richmond's brisk and lucid production is both gripping and provocative and makes these old myths seem new again."
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"Truly a most original and ingenious take on 'Oresteia'…’Messenger #1’ is without a doubt a massive accomplishment. It keeps the essence of the classic Greek plays while making them easy to digest for a 21st-century audience, and it tells a timeless, recognizable tale from a refreshing and topical point of view. It is a truly empowering piece of art—because it tells the truth, and it shows a way to make a difference."
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“A terrific production…The ensemble acting is so fine that our sympathy lies with them, all fully developed, all compelling…The direction by Hondo Weiss-Richmond is clean, clear and imaginative...Mr. Jackson’s dialogue is a careful and clever mix of what falls on the ear as classical...Nothing said is out of place; we are drawn into this new drama which has strong classical chops…There’s much here to consider in this intellectually and physically muscular production.”
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“An innovative dark comedy/drama…’Messenger #1’ has a lot of themes which are still relevant in 2017…Whether the youthful cast engages in simmer-and-seethe expressions of passion, or over-the-top, grand movements, the acting is excellent. The script mixes the indulgently quaint style of ancient Greek translation with some equally indulgent anachronisms…The conclusion of 'Messenger #1' is heavy... but in keeping with the play’s political themes, it’s tragically realistic."
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"It begins with Jackson's inspired prose, an effortless fusion of ancient Greek poetic oratory and modern slang...It is the empathetic performance of the three messengers, caught in a whirlwind of tragedy not of their own making, that grounds us in this ancient story of love and loss...Director Hondo Weiss-Richmond's staging makes great use of the small performing space...This is a play that is unafraid to be theatrical, though some elements are more successful than others."
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