safeword.

See it if You want to see a smart show about lies, secrets, communication and relationships set in a world of BDSM. Well done and not too explicit.

Don't see it if BDSM makes you uncomfortable.

See it if you really liked Afterglow & want to see a fairly frank (if mostly chaste & clinical) look at BDSM, fidelity, identity & sexual boundaries.

Don't see it if u expect to satisfy ur prurient, voyeuristic curiosity via onstage titillation; u want more than clichéd characters in an awkward talkfest.

Also Though moderately more successful than Afterglow (by the same creative team), Safeword suffers from the same fate: a promising premise with clever stagecraft gets mired in contrived plot points, inelegant, heavy-handed conversations, drawn-out confrontations, middling acting, and lethargic direction.... Read more Read less

See it if Normalising attempt (gay v. straight juxtaposition) fifty shadings of the ties-that-bind outlier topic. Unexpected dungeon in the attic set.

Don't see it if Titilations of "Afterglow" not to be found here. And the final word is "Done," as in done and dumber.

Also "Done with you."

See it if you like a well written drama about S & M with good character development. No nudity and any action was part of the story and not gratuitous

Don't see it if you don't like any story about S & M or plots involving gay or gender bending characters.

Also The staging is very good but is much more effective if you sit further up.Lots of action on second level of stage on all sides. This subject is not one I enjoy but the production was done with taste.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a show that deals with an interesting fetish that many people are probably not aware of or at least do not understand

Don't see it if You are expecting a lot of nudity like the last play by this author

Also I’m going to try not to ruin anything if you have not seen this. The play tackled a very interesting subject but there were two things that drove me crazy. There is absolutely no way that the actor who had a “Business” would teach his female neighbor the secrets. It’s like patient/Dr. confidentiality. He should have understood that his former client would not have wanted this. It like he hoped that she would be able to now satisfy his needs but that was clearly not the case. It would be like my friends in my fantasy football league trying to teach my significant other how to play fantasy football. I may love my partner but I don’t want her in my fantasy football life. I feel like the playwright should know this. Also the female actress was the understudy. I will never pick on an understudy for acting ability but she was not projecting well and in all of her scenes the other actors came down to her level instead of bringing her up to theirs. I blame this on the director... Read more Read less

See it if If you would enjoy examining different points of view on SNM and relationships, if you like plots about topics not usually address in plays.

Don't see it if You are sensitive about SNM snd fo not particularly enjoy plots about alternative relationships.

See it if you want to understand the motivations behind BDSM. Since the lead is a nurse, I would rename this show Fifty Shades of Gray's Anatomy.

Don't see it if seeing variant lifestyles depicted on stage makes you uncomfortable.

Also I was actually pleasantly surprised with the complexity of the plot, though the ending does not do it justice. It is not just gratuitous spanking (although there is some) but much more.... Read more Read less

See it if you are interested in sadomasochistic affairs, psychological difficulties of marital & non-traditional friendship relationships & good plot.

Don't see it if you dislike phychological exploration of "deviant," often sexual, behavior, it's effects on relationships & possible origins.

See it if you enjoyed being teased by the idea of a GAY S &M story only to find out later that there's a major heterosexual twist. Huh!

Don't see it if if you don't enjoy being teased with the promise of and S & M story and then are presented with a sprinkle of S & M. YUK!!!

Also The audience was filled with single and coupled gay men who thought they were going to see Afterglow Part 2, but instead discovered that this play was MAINLY about "straight" couple. The play doesn't live up to the poster advertising it. DISAPPOINTING!!!!... Read more Read less

See it if you want to gain some insight into BDSM culture. Well acted and well staged, but....

Don't see it if you want to see a completely flushed out story. I felt like this piece only scratched the surface of the story it was trying to tell.

Also Felt like the story had a lot of holes in it and the characters were not fully developed. Was looking for something deeper.... Read more Read less

See it if You're open to an edgy, funny, sometimes rough play that's ultimately about love and communication, way past secrets, addiction or pain.

Don't see it if Themes of bondage, discipline or S&M disturb, or if you can't accept the validity or love possible in alternate life styles, however extreme

Also Beautifully cast with a terrific ensemble; script, direction and performances avoid cliché to reveal the humor, love and communication necessary for all relationships.... Read more Read less

See it if Coming from the makers of Afterglow, I expected this to be a sexier show than it was. And I'm pleasantly surprised that it wasn't. This was

Don't see it if a thoughtful examination of power and relationships framed through BDSM. And Maybe Burke gives a standout performance. They are a star.

See it if You want to know a bit about the dynamics of BDSM, for a good show, if you are on a date. To have a good night out. You are curious

Don't see it if You are a prude, don't want to see the theme of BDSM, want a musical, are a BDSM purist.

Also The way that the BDSM theme was introduced at the beginning of the show was a nice touch. As the show progresses, it is less about the BDSM and more about how lies are brought to light & how relationships can be a fragile thing in light of this.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a play about how people deal with problems.

Don't see it if the subject matter of S &M would bother you.

See it if You feel the subject matter is of interest and exploring this 4 characters story can make you understand their situation.

Don't see it if You expect a raunchy show with nudity. This does not occur unlike the playwright's last play Afterglow.

See it if You are interested in a realistic portrayal of a BDSM relationship (psychologically) and relationships in general.

Don't see it if You are offended by sex, or trans people. If you are looking for something with a large cast or looking for a comedy.

Also I thought this was terrific.

To start, the scenic design is fantastic - multilevel set with great use of lighting. Really outstanding.

A tale of two couples and their issues and their relationship with each other, basically.

The acting was excellent. The writing was very good and it was the most realistic discussion of BDSM I’ve ever seen on stage. Not played for laughs or shock value - just very straightforward and matter of fact. Very interesting illumination of the psychological aspects of both of dominance and submission (of a certain type).

A few minor complaints I had - some of the scene change music seemed too loud. Also I was confused by how much time was supposed to be passing between scenes near the end because what was happening seemed like it would be months apart but there was literally no indication of that so I was kind of thrown a few times into disbelief.

Overall excellent!... Read more Read less

See it if i liked AFTERGLOW / support gay theatre

Don't see it if this was corny. also, bad writing and acting. :/

See it if you want some understanding of what true love means under the most extraordinary circumstances.

Don't see it if If you have problems with strange relationships.

See it if You are interested in a very well acted directed play about repressed sexual fetishes. Great lighting and sets.

Don't see it if You are looking for gratuitous nudity for nudity sakes...but it was very sensual on its own terms.

Also I hated Afterglow but i was amazingly surprised by Safeword which has a lot to say about sexual repression among both
gays and straights. Great set and lighting. Well Done. I don't understand the negative reviews except if those people were looking for gratitutous nudity. A well crafted fascinating play! Go My only complaint is that the actress was sometimes hard to hear and we were sitting in row G.... Read more Read less

See it if you are looking for an interesting psychological drama about BDSM.

Don't see it if you are a prude or if you are looking for something hardcore. People in the BDSM community are like to find this very vanilla and BDSM 101.

Also I think this is a very good play with some unexpected twists and turns, but the playwright has done himself a disservice with his direction. Although it is visually stunning, the split-level, wrap-around, scrim heavy set keeps the audience at a distance from the characters and slows the pacing. Spectacular sound and lighting. And I applaud the subtle transgender casting.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a subject matter that's not normally explored. Interested in the world of BDSM and the psychological reasons behind it

Don't see it if You don't like stepping out of your comfort zone. You're very conservative. Dont like themes of BDSM or plays with trans characters

See it if You like this writer’s work.

Don't see it if You are easily offended by sexual situations.

See it if You are looking for something on the outter edge of contemporary theatre and are not disturbed by explicit sexual activity.

Don't see it if You are looking for a polite discussion of interpersonal relationships and would rather no know about the darker side of the sex world.

Also Sorry folks, but BDSM is about sex! Just because you leave your shorts on does not remove the sexual connotations, despite how you try to rationalize it. My bet is that 99% of the audience see the practice as sexual in nature regardless of any actual sexual activity. Unfortunately this piece does not quite live up to its predecessor Afterglow. The four actors do an admirable job in telling a complex series of intertwining stories but the ending is a little too convenient and leaves the most difficult unaddressed. Surely the man struggling with his need to relinquish control deserves more than "I'm done with you "... Read more Read less

See it if you are curious about the power dynamics of BDSM. and are seeking a sort of intro to it.

Don't see it if you are in "the scene" as it not a realistic portrayal. The wife's interest and quick embrace of BDSM unreal. Hetero men aren't subs to men

See it if Fantastic stage set, lighting&sound Story though seemingly convoluted really works until a late plot development making my # score lower

Don't see it if ... you are opposed to lgbt... discussions sexuality and relationships.