Philosophy in the Boudoir

The idea of sex as a revolutionary principle is interesting to me and what I believe the script was attempting to expose. Especially with the protests in Brazil right now, the idea that we can use our own actions to bring about larger change is extremely powerful and something we miss in this country. What rang true in the script was the idea of a woman brought into a world where she feels freedom for the first time, how that forces her to kill her family, and how that impacts her on the other end. We kill what we are supposed to love so that we can be free. However, I did not feel like this was executed in the acting style (although I commend the actors for their committment) nor the stylized direction that was taken. I would have like... full review

The only way to get away with a show with this much nudity and simulated sex is to do it extremely well: for the performances to have heart and vulnerability in the midst of the nakedness, for the direction to be tight, for the script to be provocative and stimulating beyond the obvious. Unfortunately, this just wasn't the case. I had fun watching the spectacle for a bit, but at the end of the day, I go to the theater to be nourished and challenged, or at least entertained, and unfortunately Boudoir didn't satisfy any of those needs. The acting is hit or miss. I don't care about the story. And though almost nothing is left up to the imagination, no one is TRULY naked up there. That said, it is WILD to see -- and some of the visual pi... full review

Wowza! I definitely had people in my group that literally got angry and repelled by this show, but I was pretty entertained and I suppose glad I saw it. Some definite problems with the script and flow/direction of the piece, but some really interesting and balls to the wall performances (literally). I commend the performers and producers for committing fully and not apologizing for any of it. But did many moments seem to be going for shock value rather than needing them to tell the story? Yes. Was there moments I was enjoying it because I couldn't believe they were doing it rather than being swept up by the world of the play? Yes. Obviously not for everyone but surely a spectacle to see if you're up for it. ... full review

Crass, yet boring. Philosophy in the Boudoir is like a limp dick straddling the fence between pornography and art. For my taste, it should either commit fully to one or the other and do it well than to lie lamely in the middle. ... full review

~Possible Sex Act and Political Spoilers Ahead~ I'm very glad I went out of my way to see this play, and on its closing night, when it must have been its most polished. Some say it was porn going for shock value- but this was not the case; as others would say, it was tame. Except for a few actions, this was a few degrees more docile than anything else I might see on a Saturday night- after all, I have been known to frequent clubs named after Sade himself. I forget that not everyone is used to seeing all sorts of bodies doing all sorts of things- to me, that is normal. And maybe that's one reason we need more performances out there like this one. To me, it is normal to be a "libertine", at least in regards to complete freedom with sex. Tha... full review

It would be hard to say anyone loved this play but it is easily one of the most unusual, most creative, most riveting piece of theater in this fringe. First, the nudity alone would not be so unusual if it were not so violent and daring in its nakedness. Nothing sexual is left to the imagination in Sade's story of the pleasure and pain and corruption in degrading another human being. The cast was frightening in its total commitment to this piece and there is one young male dancer, who's every move frames the growing abuse and lack of humanity displayed. I was also struck by the fact that for all the so-called liberality of that generation, it continues on to today and covers a basic boredom with life and with oneself. Bravo to the writ... full review

The combination of good story telling and breaking boundaries is as timeless as its opposition, and this production is as bold and daring as anything on stage anywhere. The skill of the cast is readily apparent in their abilities to control themselves, which impressed me even more than their willingness to abandon traditional Judeo-Christian "rules" and boundaries. If you can break away from the titillation long enough to consider the dialogue and the restraint, you'll be impressed.... full review