The Chechens NYC Reviews and Tickets

86%

(21 Reviews)

Positive

100%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Absorbing, Great acting, Relevant, Ambitious, Resonant

About the Show

This new drama is set in modern Chechnya, where gays are rumored to be held in camps. Can one family protect their brother suspected of being gay? Part of Exquisite Corpse Company's 'This Is a Distraction' festival.

Member Reviews (21)

Important play / well-written / must-see, Mind-blowing / oppressive yet eye-opening, Well-staged in awkward claustrophobic venue, Intense & serious w/a side of wit & humor, Resonant / authentic / nurturing / relevant / moving

See it if you want to experience an eye-opening slice of eastern european "modern" way of thinking. Unbelievable, but unfortunately SO true to form.

Don't see it if 105min of numerous scenes (w/in a non-changing set) re: a Muslim family in Chechnya, w/underlying LGBT questions, can't hold your attention. Read more

Not quite

See it if Some nice banter, well developed characters.A few good performances although accents totally unnecessary.

Don't see it if Improbable ending that doesn't really address the family's core problem.Should explore that more. Too long-lots of excess stuff.

Relevant, Absorbing, Edgy, Intense, Human

See it if you are human (as opposed to inhuman), love people as individuals, want to understand genuine oppression, or think you know all about Islam.

Don't see it if you think Islam is peace & light, gays are degenerates, favor honor killing, or think all religions are equally hateful & can't reconsider.

Slow start but grabs you

See it if religious beliefs taken to believable extreme. Costumes, set are extravagant. You enjoy plot twists.

Don't see it if not in the mood for heavy subjects - love, hate, religion, family, deception, murder. Intermissionless 2 hrs in non A/C space on camp chairs

Relevant, Resonant, Ambitious

See it if You, or someone you love, doesn't fit the "norm" of his/her society or religion.

Don't see it if If you are closed off or think homosexuality is a choice or a disease. Read more

Absorbing, Great acting, Intelligent, Relevant, Resonant

See it if you like absorbing, relevant theatre with great acting.

Don't see it if you're looking to see a light play or musical. Read more

100

Extraordinary, Great acting, Riveting, Must see, Intelligent

See it if For great acting&directing. Dark humor Immediately follows serious and profound dialog and action, brilliant.entire play is sensational.

Don't see it if ...you don't enjoy serious or thought proboking theater

Absorbing, Entertaining, Relevant, Thought-provoking, Riveting

See it if you enjoy great plot line and insight into a culture that is rarely viewed by the western eyes, clever storytelling and believable character

Don't see it if You are hung up on details and the math and geography of a play

Critic Reviews (1)

"This all-too-timely story (see a host of other countries around the world, as well as many states right here in the U.S.) reminds us about the cost of taking away equal rights. Kot, Sokolovskaya, and Ionina are all amazing...At times delightful, experimental, and thought-provoking, with director using the space in interesting ways. Sometimes, like the end, the staging is downright suspenseful."
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