The Chechens

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.

Also Will not spoil the EXCELLENT twist.

In this supposed "modern" & forward-thinking world we think we all live in, it's mind-boggling how unaware we still are about other cultures & religions, & how sometimes our perceived differences aren't so different after all.

Important "small" productions like this piss me off. They NEED to play longer, in larger (more comfortable & better air-conditioned venues), so that more audiences can experience & support the casts & crews. Too much sponsorship money is thrown at insipid, silly, fluffy, banal crap, but important shows like "The Chechens" only get to run for a handful of performances.

The acting is truly authentic & intense, although humorous as well even after the shit hits the fan & the twist is eventually revealed. Especially strong are Ruslana Sokolovskaya ("Dagmara"), Ivica Marc ("Uncle Usman"), & Polina Ionina ("Elina").

We were fortunate to meet the cast & playwright afterwards. Very rewarding.

PLEASE SEE THIS SHOW before is closes.... Read more Read less

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.

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

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.

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.

Also I was truly moved, and caught of guard by this piece. As a native New Yorker, there is so much I don't understand about the ultra conservative world, but I DO understand how deeply a woman loves, especially her children. The play was acted beautifully and truly moved me. The theater, however, was hot and the chairs uncomfortable. It got a little slow midway, but I still hung on every word, waiting for resolution, and it was worth it.... Read more Read less

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.

Also A bit long at 1 hour and 45 minutes with no intermission but absorbing nonetheless. I hope that it has a future life. It needs to be seen.... Read more Read less

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

See it if you want to see a remote current event in three dimensions

Don't see it if you only want to be entertained

See it if You want to watch excellent acting, concerning a family's attempt to save a man from oppression of homosexuality. You want funny, and drama

Don't see it if You cant sit thru 100 minutes no intermission. You dont like intimate studio theatre settings. You careless for deep storyline.

See it if you like different venues, well developed characters, great acting, intriguing theater

Don't see it if you can't handle being in a hot room where it is difficult to see the action.

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

See it if You want a glimpse of what folks face elsewhere and appreciate thoughtful, immersive theater

Don't see it if You can't deal with horrible sight-lines and a hot, airless theater

See it if you like plays that are meaningful and thought-provoking with terrific acting

Don't see it if Everyone should see it!

See it if You're looking for a show with a truly absorbing story and authentic, strong acting. I loved it.

Don't see it if Can't think of one reason why not to see it.

Also I thought this play was outstanding and highly recommend. A powerful story line /strong writing and authentic acting, kept me absorbed the whole time. The characters were excellent. A true hidden gem that is absolutely worth seeing.... Read more Read less

See it if you like well written and acted, moving theater. Entertaining, powerful, and filled with dry humor—may also cause you to wipe away tears.

Don't see it if Just see it.

Also Don't miss seeing this show - I'm hopeful it will move to an even bigger venue. The actors are phenomenal and the writing is excellent. They make use of the entire theatre.

Be sure to dress for a warm venue and to arrive early - unfortunately, the chairs are all on the same level so it is very difficult to see unless you're near the front, and you don't want to miss hearing the actors or seeing their facial expressions.... Read more Read less

See it if You're interested in gay issues in Russia

Don't see it if You want air conditioning

See it if You're interested stories about gay rights and family dynamics.

Don't see it if you like plays that move.

See it if You're interested stories about gay rights and family dynamics.

Don't see it if you like plays that move.

See it if Beautifully written, powerful piece. Acted by a talented cast. You want to see early stages of a play sure to move on to bigger houses.

Don't see it if You can't do a slightly too long piece to not have an intermission (you are missing out if that's the only reason...)

See it if if you're interested in other cultures and seeing a play that isn't afraid of asking difficult questions.

Don't see it if you'd rather go to a musical.

See it if The Chechens is an intense, funny and vital production. The cast is phenomenal. A must see.

Don't see it if You don’t like intense theater.