This playful, immersive look at how sex and pornography are consumed makes its US debut at Works & Process at the Guggenheim following a successful run at the Southbank Centre in London. More…
Created by British writer-performer Christopher Green after interviewing neuroscientists, sociologists, addiction experts, and therapists, 'Prurience' invites audiences to attend a fictional self-help group. Through increasingly distorting layers of reality and theatricality, the play forces you to consider if society is in the grip of an actual addiction or a moral panic. Expect witty observations, and surprises.
See it if You enjoy immersive theatre this is one of the best I’ve ever experienced. It seamlessly sneaks up on you to inform and you’ll have fun too.
Don't see it if You are uncomfortable being out of control. This is a great experience but you need to play Ali g and let it happen. You can’t be in charge.
See it if you want to participate (actively or passively) in a sly & adroitly enacted addiction therapy session/meta-theatre performance art piece.
Don't see it if you aren't comfortable being uncomfortable in a perfectly simulated "new age" group therapy session & hearing frank discussions of sex/porn.
Also It was unclear how much verbal & physical participation the show wants... Read more Read less
See it if You enjoy "audience as actors." You like super experimental theater and want to be INVOLVED in the show.
Don't see it if You don't like excruciating moments of just waiting because an audience member has to step up and do something. See below for more.
Also This was one of the worst things I've ever attended. The planted actor... Read more Read less
See it if You want to be immersed in a group that includes obvious actors playing roles with specific viewpoints on pornography
Don't see it if You want more than to be surrounded by others who share the question "what are we doing here?"
See it if Mysterious play about a porno support group.I was hoodwinked believing it was a support group.Lots of fun, eclectic cast. & interactive
Don't see it if You don't like to hear obscene & raunchy language
See it if You want to see an immersive intelligent play.
Don't see it if You are expecting a normal play.
Also Excellent reflexion about pornography.
See it if you want a fantastically creative immersive piece of theatre, you will be self-reflecting afterward, but laughing throughout the smart play
Don't see it if you want a traditional theatre piece - be prepared to be immersed & to participate. Porn addiction is 'a' subject so be wise.
Also Just got back from a preview of this wonderful experience - be a part ... Read more Read less
See it if you want a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience, don't mind participation, and feel comfortable with sexual topics
Don't see it if you want a traditional sit-down experience, are intensely uncomfortable participating, or don't like plays with sexual themes
Also Prurience isn't for everyone. Admittedly I'm not the fondest of partic... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy immersive shows. You're open to new experiences w/no idea where you'll end up, or long for something new & different in theater.
Don't see it if u want traditional theater or dislike immersive shows, tho u can sit in back/not participate. U dislike any sex talk, even small amounts
Also I'm so glad I went to this despite fearing it was going to be all abt ... Read more Read less
See it if you like the idea of a performance in the form of a therapy session, like figuring out actors vs overeager audience members
Don't see it if you don't like participatory theatre and actors talking to you, and/or the subject of pornography and addiction makes you uncomfortable
See it if You enjoy immersive performance of contemporary edgy themes where the line blues between actor and audience.
Don't see it if You are uncomfortable with sexual topics and prefer a normal theater experience of audience separate from the actors.
See it if You like to be shaken out of your comfort zone. The beginning is super awkward but by the end you’ll understand why
Don't see it if You like more conventional theater and don’t like to be made uncomfortable
See it if you want to see an immersive show where you don't know who's acting and who's not. Well staged, very clever, and incredibly strange!
Don't see it if you want a simple/straightforward play, or are not ready to hear about adult topics (though the porn discussions weren't too graphic imo).
Also I'm still not sure if I liked it overall but I can't stop thinking abo... Read more Read less
See it if you like surprises that creep up on you. Enjoy the unexpected. If you like thought provoking theater.
Don't see it if you take things too literally.