The Artivist, the Bayard Rustin Story NYC Reviews and Tickets

80%

(17 Reviews)

Positive

76%

Mixed

24%

Negative

Members say

Absorbing, Thought-provoking, Relevant, Great acting, Intelligent

About the Show

A one-person show about the life of Bayard Rustin, one of the first Freedom Riders, an adviser to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and an openly gay black man in a society crippled with intolerance and bigotry.

Member Reviews (17)

Passionate, Confusing, Sketchy, Informative, Thrilling clips & stills

See it if you'd like to know something about a core civil rights organizer who was also semi-publicly homosexual at a time when no one else was.

Don't see it if you know a bit about Rustin & might get frustrated at how much a curious 50-minute dramatized lecture has to leave out. Read more

Absorbing, Great writing, Intelligent, Resonant, Relevant

See it if You’re interested in U.S. Black and Gay history all in 1. The venue is small + has its issues but it’s worth overlooking these.if upon can.

Don't see it if You’re looking for a fun musical. However the education is especially relevant today

Thought-provoking, Absorbing, Ambitious, Intelligent

See it if You want to see the story of an important but not well known figure in the civil rights movement

Don't see it if You don’t like one man shows or you’re not interested in African-American history

Epitomizes the best in way off-off broadway, Ambitious, Great acting, Great writing, Nice mixture of live performance and projections

See it if ur interested in challenges & victories of civil rights & gay rights history that may be repeating itself today-Good writing & good acting

Don't see it if ur body can't stand 1 hour in cramped conditions sitting on folding chairs with no back support - or aren't interested in civil & gay rights

Low cost multi-media powerhouse, Intelligent, Relevant, Absorbing, Serious talent

See it if To learn more about one of our country's greatest change makers To see what an amazing group of talented professionals can do on the cheap

Don't see it if If you are a bigot or if you only enjoy big shows with puppets Also Black studies folks may disagree with some portrayals but see it anyway Read more

Absorbing, Great acting, Great writing, Relevant, Thought-provoking

See it if you are interested in the Civil Rights Movement and in people who stood up for what is right! Great story and acting.

Don't see it if you are not interested in history or only want entertainment not history lessons in your free time. Read more

Ambitious, Edgy, Intense, Thought-provoking, Intelligent

See it if you want to learn of Bayard Rustin's involvement in the civil rights movement.

Don't see it if you will be disappointed that the life of Bayard Rustin is not discussed in more detail. Also, the play is only 55 minutes.

Absorbing, Great acting, Intense, Thought-provoking, Confusing

See it if you want a glimpse into the life of one of the lesser known founders of the Civil Rights Movement.

Don't see it if you like an ensemble cast (it's a one man show) and want a more straight forward story.

Critic Reviews (1)

"Sheppard is a charismatic performer with a commanding voice; he’s also a great mimic...Alleyne deserves praise for paying homage to this remarkable man...It needs be said that 'The Artivist' is neither as polished a work of theater nor as satisfying a record of Rustin’s achievements as it could be...Still, it will be a thrill in particular to those who have never heard of Bayard Rustin to come face to face with this professional troublemaker of relentless integrity and singular effectiveness."
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