Student Body

"Mr. Winters’s understanding of sexual assault on campuses is not particularly sophisticated. At times, 'Student Body' has the flavor of an After School Special. Many of the arguments and counterarguments will seem familiar. But under Michelle Tattenbaum’s direction, there is truthfulness to the group dynamics" Full Review

"'Student Body' is a fast-moving and generally engaging drama of high-tension exchanges by a writer of real talent, but its taut structure wants a little more fleshing out. Still, it's good enough to make me eager to see what he does next." Full Review

"This play is powerfully directed by Michelle Tattenbaum and wonderfully acted by the members of The Bats. I wish this show on every junior high and high school student, this is an issue that needs to be talked about not hidden in the dark or under the rug. This is happening everyday in this country and this play is relevant and well done. Bravo Bats." Full Review

"A little more fear and danger could go a long way. 'Student Body' is something so fascinating that it may intrigue you to attend a second time just to key into individual performances with the knowledge of what will happen. The discussion of campus rape cases is sadly a topic that will not see an ending anytime soon so this psychological drama could not have arrived at a more perfect time." Full Review

"This subject matter is inarguably relevant right now. With instances of sexual abuse on college campuses coming to the forefront of the media, this play is unsettlingly pertinent. The Bats handle this dense, dramatic material gracefully...Winters’ script, though dynamic, is not without issues...At times, the conversation becomes clunky and unfocused. Though perhaps this is suitable for the situation, it makes for a long, one hour play. In the end, 'Student Body', left me appropriately unsett... Full Review

"The plot offers few surprises, but Winters constructs it succinctly, keeping the focus on the difficult ethical questions, not on teary confessions of knowledge or guilt. After all, if nailing one culprit solved much, it wouldn't make for such interesting drama." Full Review

"Up top, there are some rough patches...Sometimes, the cast feels composed of stereotypes, like the jock, the nerd, or the party girl...'Student Body' does more than just deploy a contemporary issue to theatrical effect—it makes you think carefully about systematic inadequacies and asks you to question your own attitudes. That it can leave you feeling angry, frustrated, and exhausted after only an hour speaks to its success, making it a timely contribution to an important dialogue." Full Review

"It’s hard to imagine a play better suited to the demography of the Bats, the Flea’s resident actors, or the space in which they play and lounge and bang to Michelle Tattenbaum’s lived-in staging...Pared down to perfection, this pressure cooker is a prudent pick for colleges looking for something edgy on a budget, and it’s not a bad start to the Flea’s fall season either." Full Review