UnionDocs presents Alison S.M. Kobayashi's multimedia solo piece inspired by an amateur audio recording made over 60 years ago. More…
The origin of this audio was a mystery. Two spools of thin steel wire were found tucked inside an obsolete sound device purchased by a collector at an estate sale. There were no labels; no dates, no names, and no context. Through her obsessive research and active imagination, Kobayashi decodes the rich dialogue in the recording and discovers the detailed history of a Jewish family from New York that bursts with humor, surprise, and drama. The one-woman show annotates, illustrates, and reconstructs the scenes of the recording, while revealing the stranger-than-fiction biography of the eldest son, David, who made the wire recordings. Using video, installation, performance and plentiful archival material, Kobayashi leads the audience through a close listening of this multigenerational tale.
See it if you always wanted to be a PI. Every moment of the 2 1/2 hours is guided by the appealing, talented Kobayashi who makes the tapes come alive.
Don't see it if you want lots of insight. The tapes aren't extraordinary, but do seal-in-amber the '50s. AK's devotion to unlocking mysteries is infectious.
Also I thoroughly enjoyed SSB, but it isn't really theater. It's more perfo... Read more Read less
See it if If you want to see a different kind of play . A play about a Jewish family. Keeps the audience intetested.
Don't see it if If you want a non quirky play, a more traditional play.
See it if You want a completely original performance piece. Like being a part of a live unfolding documentary. So good. So original.
Don't see it if You are looking for a play or musical. This is not that. If you don't like performance shows.
See it if Delving into two old recordings transports us to the past and celebrates the richness of life. Unique take on family, time and mortality.
Don't see it if You aren't interested in multimedia nonfiction performance art. You don't have the patience for a 2 1/2 hour experience.
Also Altered my perspective on life. The ordinary can be extraordinary. Aud... Read more Read less
See it if you want to take a unique, intriguing multimedia adventure w/a charming host as she unravels the mystery of voices on a found wire recorder.
Don't see it if you don't like documentary theater or experiential theater; you can't find the extraordinary meaning in seemingly ordinary events.
Also You'll be impressed by the exhaustive & expert research that went into... Read more Read less
See it if the process of obsession evolving into theater allows you move beyond your comfort zone into this unique experience. A world made from sound
Don't see it if you are expecting a well made play on a proscenium stage.
See it if you’re a fan of verité documentaries or experimental theatre, or love the idea that everyone has a story to tell. This will stay with me.
Don't see it if you can’t do experimental works or can’t read well (there’s a lot of reading involved).
See it if You are interested in families, nostalgia, history, genealogical research, detective work, etc.
Don't see it if You want big Broadway production values. This is an intimate show (only 24 people in the audience!).
Also It's not exactly a play or a traditional one woman show. It is hard to... Read more Read less
See it if you want to experience the product of a labor of love; you enjoy performance art that makes you feel like an active participant. Well done.
Don't see it if you dislike non fiction, intimate theatrical experiences & a cast of one.
Also Kobayashi is warm, charasmatic, energetic and funny in the relaying of... Read more Read less
See it if you want to have a unique experience in the theatre. Kobayashi investigates a Jewish family in the 1950's, and slowly reveals their history
Don't see it if you don't like intelligent or unusual theatre.
Also "Say Something Bunny" is one of the very best plays of this season. Do... Read more Read less
See it if Never thought about beauty of an ordinary life & want a delightful expert 2 guide you down that path. This is slow, strange, wondrous & dear
Don't see it if Want trad play. Not like anything else & not 4 everyone. Act 2 needs a bit of trim, & best 4 those who love diving through scrapbooks.
Also I personally believe there is something magical afoot here, and felt l... Read more Read less
See it if you’re into museum studies and how historians/researchers investigate historical accounts through primary sources; you like nonfiction
Don't see it if you aren’t interested in eavesdropping on 1950’s NY Jewish families; you don’t glean inferences from overheard conversations
Also SSB is like a cleverly edited presentation or seminar told with theatr... Read more Read less
See it if you're open to a completely unique, painstakingly researched, funny and humanizing performance, up close and personal.
Don't see it if you're not interested in complicated New York-centric family histories.
Also I have never seen anything like this, and I truly loved it. Only 24 pe... Read more Read less
See it if multi-media story about people whose voices are on 1950's wire recordings, how their identities became known, their touching stories
Don't see it if uncomfortable with 4th wall broken - don't want multi-disciplinary performance art, want to sit in a standard theater and not around a table
Also If you are uncomfortable with 4th wall broken know that there is no aw... Read more Read less
See it if you like performance art. I loved the real history Kobayashi uncovered from sleuthing. The depth of detail and presentation were very orig.
Don't see it if you like short, & no reading. In the 2nd act, we skipped some pages, I felt like a kid at a Seder being allowed to skip ahead! Needs a trim.
See it if How the minute can be universal: multi-media extrapolation of audio from a family but how we all still can relate.
Don't see it if Dislike reading text for most of a performance. Experimental-ish theater isn't your thing. Not dramatic, no plot, more an exploration.
Also Diversity: solo actor is mixed Asian and White female. The story is ab... Read more Read less
See it if you want to go on a compelling trip, orchestrated by the marvelous Alison Kabayashi.
Don't see it if your tastes don't allow for something extraordinary. This is not a play; it's an enveloping experience.
Also Because my age, ethnicity and geographical upbringing closely mirror t... Read more Read less
See it if This show reached inside of me and grabbed ahold of my soul. Through her expert guidance, Kobayashi shows us that there is art, beauty, and
Don't see it if profundity to be found in everyday life. I found myself reflecting on my own life, seeing echoes of myself as a child, a young adult, and a
Also man. This piece is quiet in its beauty, allowing the audience to draw ... Read more Read less
See it if You delight in watching mysteries unfold right before your eyes. What a fascinating journey! Don't miss this - utterly original, delightful!
Don't see it if You want a traditional theater experience. Having said that, go see this show anyway! You'll be glad you did!
See it if You are up for something very non-playlike. The creator has been fixated on peculiar evidence, spent years researching, and presented it.
Don't see it if You are not open to work out of the normal parameters. But, hey, loosen up. You may not love it, but it is fascinating in its own way.
See it if you like unique and original theatrical experiences. You enjoy learning about ordinary people's lives.
Don't see it if you prefer more traditional theater. You don't like intimate and immersive experiences (although there is no audience participation).
Also It's really hard to describe this show. It's more than theater. I felt... Read more Read less
See it if you can appreciate amazing detective work and can appreciate the CRAZY amount of work Alison put into this show.
Don't see it if you think you wouldn't care about some random family's life presented through an old fashioned recorder, video, and a script.
See it if you want a truly unique experience, you are interested in research, you are a smart and patient person who doesn't require flashy shows.
Don't see it if you expect a normal theatre piece on a stage at which you are passive. Here you don't speak, but you are part of the show. But try it!