The Steinberg Playwright “Mimi Awards” was presented to Ayad Akhtar and Lucas Hnath on December 4
Written and performed by Robert Galinsky and directed by Jay O. Sanders in his New York directorial debut. The Bench allows its audience to take a hard look at the reality that plagues those living among urban decay. The Bench is produced by Terry Schnuck. Presented by Golden Globe nominee Chris Noth, Olivier Award winner Barry Shabaka Henley, Drama Desk, Obie, and Cherry Lane Theatre.
A tale of the tumultuous journey five homeless characters face as they find their way in a gritty urban section of New York City. The Bench effortlessly pulls the audience into their crumbling world. This piece follows the hapless group through the 1980s. It touchs upon the mass hysteria surrounding the HIV virus that occurred during this time. Accompanying the sparse set design is original imagery from artist Daphne Arthur’s graphic novelization of the play. Further enhancing the performance is an engaging soundtrack by composer Deep Singh.
Based on true stories, The Bench successfully tugs at the heartstrings of its audience. Weaving in loss, love, and heartbreak through an emotional performance. This skillfully written play creates an eye-opening experience that encapsulates just how easy it is to lose absolutely everything and find oneself deemed disposable by modern society. Galinsky gives a brilliant performance filled with both high energy and emotion, endearing all five characters to the audience within an hour.
A fascinating tale that brings drama, a little tragedy, and just a taste of comedy. This play offers an inside look at the world from the perspective of those with the least among us. Check out The Bench at the Cherry Lane Theatre during its limited run. Performances will continue through December 17.
Darren Wilson (Left) played by Ian Campbell Dunn. Dorian Johnson (Right) played by Cedric Benjamin
On October 21st, the Knockturnal was able to cover the critically – acclaimed play production entitled “Ferguson,” brought to life by the Theatre Verité Collective. This production dramatically reimagines the grand jury testimony and surrounding first – hand accounts revolving around the 2014 tragic death of 18-year old Michael Brown of Ferguson, Missouri. On August 9th, 2014, Missouri Officer Darren Wilson shot Michael Brown allegedly with intent for self – defense This staged version of the grand jury through the eyes of writer Phelim McAleer, a notable UK film director, prides itself in incisively modeling the explicit, unadulterated account of the case’s actual grand jury trial without the external filters of media or broadcast news. Just absolute candor and objectivity. Members of the cast played their roles with impervious conviction, inciting an unyielding sense of resonation and sympathy among viewers that stick. Some of the most salient, yet powerful performances of the production include Dorian Johnson, Brown’s good friend who was present at the time of the shooting (Cedric Benjamin), Mark Williams, another good friend of Brown’s who provided his first – hand account of the shooting (Chaundre Hall – Broomfield) and the infamous shooter of Michael Brown, Darren Wilson. (Ian Campbell Dunn) Their talents help to enliven the stage show and enhance the overall experience. Albeit this play broadcast the prowess of many tremendous actors and actresses, McAleer’s interpretation has been confronted with widespread scrutiny for multiple years. Dubbed as being overtly sympathetic to Darren Wilson, casting him as an undeserving victim of criminal punishment for his actions and arguably even as the protagonist of this story, many actors and production groups denounced any involvement with the play. However, after many years of struggle, the play has been able to gain traction with the “Theatre Verite Collective” company in NYC. Precisely aligned with McAleer’s vision, the production group “is dedicated to telling the truth through art. No matter who it offends.” For anyone interested in seeing an incredible cast, akin to, gaining a more objective scope on the misfortune of Michael Brown and ensuing injustices that follow, this play is definitely suitable.
Burning Doors features Pussy Riot’s Maria Alyokhina and runs until October 22nd.
In anticipation of World Puppetry Day on March 21st, the cast of Tony Award-winning musical Avenue Q, joined by special guests Puppet Trump and Puppet Hillary, held a Puppet Press Conference at New World Stages.
Missed Connections: A Craigslist Musical at the West Village’s New Ohio Theater (154 Christopher Street) is exactly what it sounds like, all at once completely bizarre and yet, at times oddly relatable.
Embellished with yellow and blue fluorescent light, the stage floor shone with brilliance.
The Illuminati Ball is the latest production from playwright Cynthia von Buhler, a production that allows adventurous theatergoers to have an extraordinary theater experience in a secret location outside of Manhattan.
The theatre world gets major inspiration from the expansion plans of the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, which will change theater as a whole.
This play might make you cry too