Inspired by more than 200 interviews with NYC homeless, the Platform Group's new play centers on Lightning Bolt, a rapper bound only by his wheelchair, on a not-so-typical day at the soup kitchen. More…
'Roughly Speaking' takes place during the course of one meal service, showing people stuck in a 'Waiting for Godot'-like existence. The play examines homelessness through the eyes of Lightning Bolt and a cast of diverse characters. For the regulars who wander in, this is just one more stop on their never-ending quest for food, shelter, and a bit of companionship. For the newcomers, it's a shattering reminder of how their lives have changed. 'Roughly Speaking' is a play about being trapped in a system which exists more to maintain the status quo rather than offer a way out.
See it if you like plays that tackle social issues. This one, homelessness, touching and honest, but none of it was anything I didn't already know.
Don't see it if you're not in the mood for a well done cliched storyline.
See it if you want to see a play about an important social issue, you love plays that are very human and have a lot of heart
Don't see it if you're expecting a fresh take on the topic. The message of the play is still an important one, but it's cliched.
See it if If you are interested in plays that have heart and speak to issues we are facing on our planet. Plays that create a call to action.
Don't see it if If you want to see light and fluffy.
See it if you want to see a play that takes you into the mind of some of the homeless you might see walking around everyday.
Don't see it if you are looking for a musical or a story with a happy ending.
Also I enjoyed it, and makes you think about some of the people you may pas... Read more Read less
See it if youlike shows drawn from real life that have a social conscience.
Don't see it if you don't like topical shows.
See it if you like thoughtful, poignant, funny plays with some rapping scattered throughout.
Don't see it if you are looking for something light and fluffy, or a big budget production
See it if A noble try: to educate the audience on the individuals who make up the homeless population in NYC through stories drawn from real life.
Don't see it if A clumsy, stilted effort which doesn't gel. There r some good performances, but author casts herself to no good end. Sits r forced & sloppy~
See it if You want to see a human side of homelessness. It's an ambitious idea for a play that unfortunately does not hit the mark.
Don't see it if you are bothered by uneven and sometimes poor acting, or the lack of a plot or storyline arc.
See it if The focus and advocacy for the homeless is nice and the acting was good. Very anecdotal, which got long at times. Appreciate the ambition.
Don't see it if You don't like to see small imperfect productions.
See it if You like socially conscious plays
Don't see it if You're offended by profanity
Also I think the subject matter is relevant but the play moved slow
See it if you like social subject masterfully acted by all. This play deserves attention at a more renowned venue.
Don't see it if You are not interested in a plays dealing with social issues.
See it if If you want to open your eyes to the horror of some people's lives, which is not to their doing in most cases.
Don't see it if Homelessness and poverty depresses you.
See it if You think its time to have a serious piece that addresses the plight of the city's homeless community. This just isn't it.
Don't see it if You're put off by awkward dialogue, unimaginative staging and a show that can't manage to give any hope to any of its characters.
See it if You want drama of people who find comfort, companionship and a warm meal at a shelter. This portrait features their dignity and humanity.
Don't see it if U are not up for the reality of homelessness that we see in the newspapers, or on park benches or subway platforms. This is not light fare.
See it if you enjoy plays that deal with relevant issues in society
Don't see it if you are looking for something lighthearted
See it if you don't mind looking for gems of understanding and gaining insights even when the whole doesn't work.
Don't see it if you need polished. There is a framing device that not only doesn't work it confuses the play from the beginning! The duel scenes are inept.
See it if You are looking to experience the stories of a variety of NYC Homeless people and their struggle to keep the faith.
Don't see it if You are looking for great staging, Great acting, a great story, etc.
Also This show was uhh, interesting. I didn't know what I was supposed to b... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy timely material with a message. This is a strong, versatile cast, and every member fully commits to humanizing the homeless.
Don't see it if you want glitter and flash. This is a simple, bare-bones set. Don't see it if you want to avoid any sense of social responsibility.
See it if You are interested in learning the realities of homelessness in NYC, through a passionate cast and creative story telling.
Don't see it if You are looking for a big production play. You are sensitive to topics like drugs, sex, and social imbalance.
See it if You want a snapshot of the stories and struggles of homeless folks.
Don't see it if You are not a fan of rap. It's not my favorite genre, but I still enjoyed the play.
See it if if you don't mind long, uninspiring dialogues, where the occasional highlight is when the character, Lightning Bolt's raps.
Don't see it if if you are looking for engaging dialogues and compelling stories.
See it if you want to feel like you're being empathetic to the plight of homelessness.
Don't see it if you'd rather avoid cheesy writing, staging and acting that doesn't feel authentic. Also, the rapping is terrible and adds nothing.
Also Some of the lines in this show made a couple of the audience members a... Read more Read less
See it if If you want to see a show where you look into the day of a homeless person. You are a caring person. You want to see something new.
Don't see it if You don't like hip hop or homeless people. You want a serious drama without music or things to think about.
See it if If you like dramas about serious problems done in a humanistic manner. See it if you like to see good acting
Don't see it if you don't want to think about being homeless
See it if You want a real look into the lives of the homeless of NYC.
Don't see it if you are uncomfortable with homelessness and confronting it.