Definition of Man

dance & physical theatre · xx and xy · Ages 16+ · United States of America

world premiere
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MARCUS J FREED certified reviewer June 09, 2017
Beautiful! Nikki Muller & Jason Rosario deftly combine lyric poetry with physical theatre, taking you into a Dystopian future where the last two people on earth explore the meaning of love and the nature of relationships. Nikki's exquisite writing has hints of Pirandello, echoes of Beckett, and uses her wide-ranging literary and philosophical knowledge to present a script that is tight, engaging and thought-provoking. The company's ingenious use of the space lifts the production further, with a sparse, cardboard-box-floored set that contrasts the material poverty of the future world with the incredible wealth of the two characters' minds, a kind of post-Eden state where they are simply called XX & XY. 'Definition of Man' deserves a Pi... full review
MATT RITCHEY certified reviewer June 03, 2017
What is the nature of humanity when there is no more humanity? Can our personal fears and relationship insecurities stop us from connecting even when there's only one person left to connect to? How can you trust someone to help bear your weight when they may not be able to bear their own? These are some of the questions explored in a truly impressive movement/character piece featuring great performances and effective staging. I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I first sat down, but by the end of "Act One," I got it and the show took off and got real deep real fast - I was expecting the ending to... well, let's just say that the performances and story were so intense that some serious carnality occurring on stage wouldn't have shocked... full review
CORINNE MESTEMACHER certified reviewer June 03, 2017
tagged as: inspiring · impressive · moving
This show was so much better than I thought it would be. As a person who is not into experimental or "transcendent" theatre, I'll admit I was hesitant to show up to something that was labeling itself as 'immersive'. However, I'm so glad I showed up! What can I say other than the fact that this was the most interesting show I'm seen in a while. I'm pretty judgemental, but I'll be damned if I wasn't right in the center of the action with the characters feeling and thinking with them. This show invites you to think about humanity as we have developed through the years, but doesn't try to force any bias down your throat. So interesting and intriguing. PS- Both of the actors' are phenomenal and will have you rooting for them the whole time! Don't... full review
LAURA WILEY certified reviewer June 07, 2017
A powerful, moving show that explores gender norms and challenges societial expectations. Truly an intense theater experience, and one worth venturing. My favorite part was the physicality, including the beautiful dance elements and the more heated moments of the show. This show dares to go where others are afraid to, and pushes boundaries that will make you think. Brava!... full review
RACHEL LOCKHART certified reviewer June 09, 2017
A beautiful conversation about what is means to be a human being and how we struggle to understand that. ... full review
MARIAN GONZALEZ certified reviewer June 09, 2017
A celebration of the wonder and terror of being human. When all you've got left is each other, what to do but examine who you were. There are a million little moments from this show that I'll keep revisiting and savoring, like a nourishing stew. From physical moments like the two characters forming thrones for each other. To lines that went straight to the core of my heart, as though there was a pre-made slot for them.... full review
ANNETTE FASONE certified reviewer June 11, 2017
I really enjoyed this show. I'd recommend seeing it with somebody because you're going to want to talk about it later. What I got out of it was completely different from what the friend I spoke with after the show got out of it. This is one of those special works of art where what you bring into it it really will determine how you interpret the show. They address issues of humanity - the issues that we might still carry with us even after all the world is gone. The movement in the piece is really beautiful as well. I don't want to say much more because I don't want to ruin it for anybody, but I highly recommend that you see this show!... full review
RICHARD LEVINSON certified reviewer June 12, 2017
This show is a wonderful and challenging physical and verbal expression of thought provoking and often difficult ideas about the character of men and women and their relationship, with good doses of humor that serve to sharpen the deeply emotional material. Nikki Muller's often poetic script offers a perspective that may challenge ones ideas about the "definition" of maleness, and one may not always accept her premises or conclusions, (or may), but this only serves to keep the ideas in her play lingering with you long after you've left the theater. The performances are well up to the task of illuminating the words -- and words are central to the themes -- and JJ Mayes direction on the bare set keeps your attention equally well focused on th... full review
RUTH ISABEL GUERRA dinner party (blog) certified reviewer June 12, 2017
I feel that I have just experienced an intimate moment with the post-apocalyptic Adam and Eve. Jarring, palpable, intense. This is one of those rare stories that's all about words and communication and yet, at the same time, it's about none of that at all. We spend so much of our lives saying what we don't actually mean and placing more meaning on things we never say. This play lives in that notion. It deconstructs it, strips our ability to speak and articulate our thoughts "properly," and renders it all into feeling. I was so moved that I've seen it twice already. ALL THE RECOMMENDATIONS. ... full review
JESSICA JILL TURNER certified reviewer June 12, 2017
Beautiful, powerful and poetic. This inventive show is a moving exploration of human existence and how we relate to others and our world. A great show that I would love to see more of!... full review