Strange Beings

What I liked

The staging was well executed and the minimalist set design worked effectively, as well as the surprising light and sound cues throughout. The actors were fun and assured.

What I didn't like

I would’ve loved to see more maturity from these astronauts who would’ve been trained to handle life or death circumstances with more emotional and physical maturity. The show also needed more silence. It moved at a breakneck speed, and these galactic observers would benefit from quietly observing each other more often. With the short runtime, there’s room to add in stillness.

I also would’ve preferred a stronger build to the all is lost moment before the big emotional reveal. The reveal should feel more like a release of burden in one’s final moments, and not for the benefit of the receiver, but for themselves. Feelings of shame and guilt can be minimized in these admissions which act more like catharsis before death. Then, when death is avoided, a tougher examination of those feelings can take place.

My overall impression

A sharply realized and effective examination of the dichotomy of human relationships and how other intelligent beings would find us to be a conundrum. I’d happily recommend this to anyone.