Three on a Match

See it if Three latinos getting by in a wartorn country are visited by an abusive American. Magical mirror on indignity, revenge, and “disappearance”

Don't see it if You don’t want to better understand latin american suffering, compounded by the USA. Nasty abuse scenes with a sexual tilt.

Also Afterward I read about the civil war in El Salvador 1978-1992. This play relates to that conflict as well as similar events in Argentina and elsewhere. Excellent writing and performance, with layers of meaning.... Read more Read less

See it if you love it when taking chances on unknown playwrights pays off big time! Hints of Beckett, Lewis Carroll, but still easily understood

Don't see it if you’re turned off by slightly symbolist plays, don’t question US attitudes in foreign affairs, want an account of a specific Latinx conflict

Also Playwright & cast in complete control of their powers. Negligible quibbles. Deftly navigates the surrealistic route to show the perspective many around the world have of the US.

This isn’t just flagellating ourselves as ugly Americans, though. What’s interesting (if uncomfortable) is that Martinez’s American is scrupulous—in discerning the truth about the past, his contempt for ineffectual monarchy, condemnation of neutrality during just war. But he’s also pitiless & overconfident in American currency, and TOAM shows that nothing really redeems how the US imposes itself (even in the conflicts we didn’t start).

Lately, a lot of new plays about “relevant” issues are relying on characters having “talky,” “cerebral” debates that let playwrights get a lot off their chest without bothering to craft theatrically charged situations. Not here! TOAM is fiendishly good at making the allegorical extremely interesting & the magical a welcome relief. Must see for off-off play lovers. Hats off!... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy allegorical dramas that quickly flip flop between humor and suspense and has Twilight Zone-ish touches.

Don't see it if You prefer light, fluffy, predictable shows that don't have layered meanings.

See it if You like seeing an accomplished veteran cast in a surreal set-up that slowly evolves in a full-blown dramatic ending.

Don't see it if You want straightforward plot and realism.

See it if you want to see a concise play well acted and exquisitely directed, unpretentious and with a deep political and social message.

Don't see it if you want to see big production values, or a long play, or if you don't like some sort of magic or supernatural elements within a story.

See it if You want to see an interesting play with great actors that are very believable.. You like performances in small spaces that give a lot.

Don't see it if You are not interested in seeing a pretty good performance that has twists and turns and quite a bit of intensity.

Also Wow. Interesting to say the least. I don't want to spoil this for anyone but this is a dramatic piece that took me by surprise. This piece gives you something to think about. I enjoyed this performance and the writing was very good and the performers did a great job in conveying what the writer put down on paper (at least that is my take on it). See it yourself and you be the judge.... Read more Read less

See it if You like political parables and magic realism.

Don't see it if You like Naturalism and light comedy.

See it if You enjoy an intense play with hidden and deeper meanings which is up to the audience to figure out.

Don't see it if You don’t like loud noises and intense acting very close to your personal space.

See it if You want to start thinking about international affairs and the short sightedness of our world view.

Don't see it if You insist on top dollar production values, or need everything spelled out for you.

See it if / for an allegory written by a playwright with a unique voice.

Don't see it if you need a straightforward, linear story; are easily confused; don't like loud noises.

See it if Excellent acting

Don't see it if Want a clear idea of what's going on

Also You know that you are not alone when the woman in front of you turns around and asks the man behind her, who happens to be the director, "tell me what that was about. I'm confused"
Some parts of the play are very clear. The actors were excellent. But somehow missed the inner meaning... Read more Read less

See it if you are a fan of parables, nonverbal acting (there are some great bits with the Girl Bellboy), and intense/disturbing scenes.

Don't see it if you're uncomfortable with narrative ambiguity or abusive power dynamics.

Also A bit rough at times, with some uneven acting, but well-directed and conceived. It's less "magical" (other than the best-staged disappearance) than "unreal." The actors exist in a stage of suspension, not in or out of the world, and mostly serve as symbols rather than people. The script would have benefitted from some editing for length and cliche ("the night wore on", etc.), however self-aware.

Recommended for fans of Latin creative works.... Read more Read less

See it if Good acting and an atmosphere of tension

Don't see it if You need the plot to be clearer and unambiguous

See it if Your looking for a short, sharp play. Well performed and some good stage craft.

Don't see it if You want it to feel short. Or for there to be any surprises beyond about half way through the play.

Also I felt it became pretty obvious and heavy handed following the entrance of the American. The second half really suffered and dragged because of this.... Read more Read less

See it if you like an intimate staging that keeps you intrigued, thinking and entertained. Must say this play is fun and funny.

Don't see it if you might not be interested in the disappearances that occurred in so many countries that've been terrorized by their oppressors.

See it if you want great acting and a thought-provoking play.

Don't see it if you want easy to follow story.

See it if you want a play that is lyrical and poetical with strong topic and powerful theme.

Don't see it if you prefer a play that doesn't rise questions.

Also I went home digging about the stories of disappearances in Latin America, and this is fascinating.... Read more Read less