What I liked
The writing is intelligent, thought-provoking, and insightful. The characters feel like fully realized human being with complicated their political stances. The script humanizes all the characters, despite of political views. Maybe I didn’t agree with them, but I could understand. If only we can find that understanding in real life too. I was engaged from beginning to end even if the topics can be consider difficult right now.
I was pleasantly surprised when I realized all the characters / plays were interconnected. That reminded me of how we’re all connected and these issues do not happen in a vacuum.
The performances were really strong. The play is so minimal in production elements, but it was not necessary. I was so engaged watching two actors against a black wall because they were inhabiting the characters with specificity and nuance. I particularly loved the actor who played Willow.
I was so happy to see such a diverse cast, representative of the diversity of our country. There’s so many people of all ethnic backgrounds and ages. And I loved how the diversity made their stances so nuanced.
What I didn't like
Truly no notes. Want to see what Rachael does with a longer format.
My overall impression
What survives is an exploration of today’s challenging political landscape in America through five short plays about various divisive political issues that dovetail into the complicated patchwork that makes up our country.
At first glance that description can sound like too much to watch in these dark times, but honestly, the piece felt very resonant and important and not super preachy or heavy.
The play masterfully argues both sides of complex current issues with intelligence and nuance, and without feeling bleak or one-sided. I appreciated the undertone of connection, hope and also grief of the country we used to live in but it never falls into powerlessness either.
