Reparations NYC Reviews and Tickets

88%

(41 Ratings)

Positive

100%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Great acting, Absorbing, Great writing, Relevant, Intense

About the Show

In this world premiere, a recently widowed white book editor invites a younger black writer to her apartment, only to find that a night of passion turns into a tumultuous morning-after.

From the show:

The Billie Holiday Theatre Artistic and Executive Director Dr. Indira Etwaroo presents the theatre’s world premiere of James Sheldon’s Reparations, a centerpiece of the inaugural New Windows Festival, a major highlight of The Billie’s 2019-2020 season.

Reparations tells the story of a recently widowed white book editor (Alexandra Neil) who invites a younger black writer (Kamal Bolden) to her apartment, only to find that a night of tenderness and passion turns into a tumultuous morning-after when he threatens to reveal a dark secret from her past. As family friends – played by Lisa Arrindell and Gys de Villiers - join them for an Upper East Side lunch, we discover whether the young writer will succeed in claiming his “reparations” for a life of racial injustice and personal betrayal.

Show-Score Member Reviews (41)

100

Must see, Relevant, Great writing, Great staging, Great acting

See it if You want to see a very well written play performed by some amazing actors in a wonderful theater space in Brooklyn about relevant issues.

Don't see it if You want to see something light and fluffy . You don't want to see some amazing performers. You want to miss out on a great performance.

Superb acting, great script, thought-provoking, intelligent

See it if you like very serious drama on difficult issues, with complicated solutions, performed by magnificent actors -- all four of them.

Don't see it if you only like musical comedy and prefer not to think much.

Great writing & acting, powerful, intense, intelligent, thought-provoking, relevant, surprising

See it if you want a well written & acted tale of racism, sexual abuse & power dynamics that makes you think. Many unexpected plot twists and turns.

Don't see it if racism, sexual abuse or power dynamics are triggering for you or serious dramas don’t appeal. Read more

Great writing, Great acting, Funny, Clever, Absorbing

See it if you love good theater with a dynamic plot and great characters. The acting is terrific. Some very funny and unexpected material.

Don't see it if you have issues with May December relationships or cannot empathize with characters acknowledging difficult life positions.

Intelligent, Resonant, Refreshing, Great acting, Ambitious

See it if Great acting, sets and story that doesn’t shy away from developing complicated characters and situations in an honest and intelligent way

Don't see it if You want an easy light night out. With a frivolous theme at over 2 hrs the pace seemed fast and fascinating. Nice theater too

Intense, Entertaining, Absorbing

See it if You want to see a show that makes you think. You want an extremely well acted performance. You enjoy great staging and storytelling.

Don't see it if You have a trigger to Sexual Violence or Political Issues. You are looking for a straight comedy. You want a fluffy musical. Read more

Must see, Relevant, Great acting, Great staging, Riveting

See it if You want to spend a fantastic night out seeing a powerful well acted play.This production is top notch.You will be moved by seeing this.

Don't see it if There is no reason not to see this!!

Compassionate, Funny, Edgy, Relevant, Resonant

See it if Nervy #metoo play w/twists. Racial & sexual abuse themes. Shifting power dynamics. Funny moments amidst the pain. Excellent acting/staging.

Don't see it if After the thrilling fireworks of the first 3/4 of the play, the last 1/4 felt like an extended denouement. A bit contrived in spots.

Critic Reviews (1)

"In ‘Reparations,’ Righting Wrongs Comes With a Cost: James Sheldon’s play examines what happens when trauma is used to material ends."
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Trailer

Creative team

The Billie Holiday Theatre