Uranium Madhouse: Conversation Storm and The House of Cards

Two intriguing, unconventional shows bound together by themes of pain, torture and cruelty, but leavened with a sharp intelligence and a redeeming beauty. The superb acting and directing made both pieces resonant and accessible. Conversation Storm is a non-linear, loopy, and at times mordantly funny meditation on torture and the way we argue hard political questions. Old friends are reunited and find themselves arguing the same way they did in high school, but this time about the tired "ticking time bomb" scenario. As they get deeper into the specifics, they go to greater and greater lengths to expose each other's position as vicious and absurd. In The House of Cards one actor, Yolanda Seabourne, delivers a poetic monologue in a mesm... full review

Uranium Madhouse makes a striking debut with the thought provoking CONVERSATION STORM and THE HOUSE OF CARDS. In CONVERSATION STORM, director Andrew Utter successfully challenges his actors and the audience through an Ionesco-like discussion of politics and torture between between three men who, at various points, may be or have been friends, enemies, and possibly lovers. In THE HOUSE OF CARDS, actress Yolanda Seabourne is alone on the stage as a woman who seems to have a past that would be too heavy for most to bear. While most actors have access to a play's plot and the support of other players to expose their character to an audience, Ms. Seabourne has only a series of unconnected memories and observances to draw us in. Ms. Seabourne d... full review

I was lucky enough to get a ticket to opening night in a packed house. I was throughly engrossed by the intriguing and controversial debate between the characters in Conversation Storm. And it was with a heavy heart and baited breath that I watched The House of Cards- mesmerizing. It is a must see for anyone interested in theater that makes you think and a chance to enjoy great performers.... full review

If you're looking for a comfortable, easy night at the theater, this might not be what you're looking for. If, however, you want to challenge yourself, your beliefs, and test the boundaries of theater, this is the right place to be! The double billed "Conversation Storm" and "The House of Cards" are two gems ideally juxtaposed and brilliantly directed by Andrew Utter. These plays challenge your mind - they make you really think about your beliefs, why you hold them, and just how mutable those views may be. The visceral feeling elicited by the passionate players in both CS & THOC will make you squirm in your seat, unsure of your own wavering emotions. You will leave the theater moved, agog to discuss these plays with your fellow patr... full review

Two shows in one for those in search of a night that elevates one's awareness by tackling some sensitive topics--and not with kid gloves. CONVERSATION STORM packs a punch: a reuniting of old friends, a heated debate and some weighty role-playing "fun." Engaging to say the least. All three performers have a genuine chemistry, yet hold their own and have mastered the timing that seems to be vital to the success of the play. THE HOUSE OF CARDS--a one-woman show gracefully performed by Yolanda Seabourne--weaves anecdotes with (the character's) personal experience, fond memories with those of tragedy. And it comes as no surprise that Seabourne does all of this while building a house of cards. (And yet, you'll still be in awe upon viewing... full review

The shows are well directed and well acted. Both are thought provoking. Conversation Storm is both disturbing and funny, raising important questions about the use of torture in a supposed civilized society. In The House of Cards, one woman recalls both the cruel and lovely moments of her life, all while building a fragile house of cards, much like the difficult life she has somehow held together. All the performances are excellent, with Steve Robertson, John Ruby and Jeff Dinnell bringing a difficult text to life and Yolanda Seabourne accomplishing the impressive feat of card stacking while delivering a fine performance. ... full review

Conversation Storm is a culturally relevant and thought-provoking show, which looks at the arguments for and against torture in a post 9/11 world. It catches you from the get-go and keeps you hooked throughout the performance. Some awesome funny moments attached! The House of cards is a great follow-up show to Conversation Storm. It looks at the history of human cruelty and torture by referencing Nazi germany among other human injustices. Showing The House of cards after Conversation Storm cleverly validates the arguments against torture. One senses the subtext of both shows is "folks, we've been down this road before. The ending isn't pretty". ... full review