STRANDED

It started strongly. I went purely on a referral and so did not read too much about the show beforehand. Considering the source material and how deeply they all understood how long term abuse could affect people, the script lacked subtlety. Internal conflict doesn't always translate well when dramatized. ... full review

A very interesting play, which reminds one of Strindberg and expressionism. The acting is OK, at times the actors are quite strong, but at other times they display a kind of looseness or casualness that works against the angst that drives the play. It might add levels to decide what actions are real and which are not. For example the hammer at the end is quite real, whereas when the password required to re-enter the room earlier is not real. Also allow the character(s) to burn from within and not always respond to each other so easily. The actors need to live more deeply, and re-examine the extremity of a damaged human being. The sound effects are troubling; thought a train was underneath the building, and the helicopter felt out of pl... full review

This is a show that should be seen. It presents a growing problem in America - the proliferation of sexual abuse and the all too common result of mental illness and violent behavior. Wonderfully written by Fiona Lakeland and directed by Adrian LaTourelle, the cast of Fiona Lakeland as Lucy and Kimberly Connolly as her younger sister Annabelle bring forth the writer's vision in startling clarity. What starts as a poignant drama between two sisters, abandoned by their parents, turns violent when the older sister is confronted with a situation that brings back painful memories. While the show's violent end shows an all too common result of the abuse, the show still leaves you with hope that by confronting the past and getting help in ... full review

It was intense and brilliant. I was entirely transported by the events like I was a unseen spectator of a real segment of life. Fiona and Kimberly are giving a sharp and acute portrait of abusive and dysfunctional relationships.... full review

http://wemakemovies.org/?p=9610 Stranded written and also acted by Fiona Lakeland is a dramatic piece about sexual abuse and the effects it has on two sisters played by Fiona Lakeland and Kimberly Connelly. Fiona who plays Lucy is the older sister is trying to face her demons of sexual abuse while Kimberly plays Annabelle the younger sister who has resorted to childlike behavior to be in denial of the issue entirely. Stranded is a collaboration of the writer, director Adrian LaTourelle and Kimberly Connelly. They were inspired by the writings and journals of Sylvia Plath and Marilyn Monroe. I applaud anyone who makes an attempt to create something new when obviously fueled by passion, and the Hollywood Fringe Festival is the perfect... full review