I first came upon "Dance Nation" on a random October night, a light rain falling on a too-hot Autumn afternoon. Though I had made other plans that night, the play had gripped me, leaving me unable to escape its world. The moment I finished it, I knew that someone in this city must produce it, … Continue reading Theatre en Bloc’s “Dance Nation” is a dazzling post modern satire with surprising heart
“Neva” is a fine farce with a powerful message
One of the greatest wonders of theatre is being surprised. When I first heard of "Neva", the story of a group of actors, including Chekhov's widow, rehearsing against the background of the Russian Revolution, I expected something polished, staid. Instead, Theatre en Bloc's production is full of power and humor in equal measure, drawing us … Continue reading “Neva” is a fine farce with a powerful message
‘Bright Half Life’ is an intimate, heartfelt look at modern love
Imagine a theatre production. Now, remove the stage: the proscenium, the elevation, everything. Take away the costumes, the sets, the large cast. Now, finally, take away the theatre itself, until all that's left is two actresses, and an audience. It's here we find a kind of truth in intimacy, and it's here that we begin … Continue reading ‘Bright Half Life’ is an intimate, heartfelt look at modern love
‘Jacob’s Ladder’ is a powerful historical look at the war at home
On today’s stage, the historical play is somewhat of a rare beast, especially in a town like Austin, where the modern pieces tend to reign. Writers David Mixner and Dennis Bailey look to buck this trend with “Jacob’s Ladder” a journey into the heart of World War II, where we meet a group of people … Continue reading ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ is a powerful historical look at the war at home
Exhilirating acting takes center stage in Theatre en Bloc’s ‘Cock’
Jenny Lavery and Derek Kolluri are two of the most fresh and original talents in Austin theatre. Throughout the years, they have continued to pull off startlingly original works, and though they haven't always hit the highest mark, they have all always been definitively theirs. With their latest production, a thrilling four-hander with the provocative … Continue reading Exhilirating acting takes center stage in Theatre en Bloc’s ‘Cock’
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