When Skies Are Gray

immersive theatre · the visceral city project · Ages 18+ · United States of America

world premiere
Add Your Review
when skies are gray

Review by ANDY JONES-LIANG

June 13, 2018 certified reviewer

What I liked

The most powerful aspect of the show was inviting the audience to be part of the grieving process. The voicemails played in the beginning really helped to set the tone. I especially liked the part of the show that allowed audience members to say a few words to the mother as she lay dying – there was something so cathartic about that experience and served as a sense of closure. The acting was superb as well. Kudos for Melissa for handling the role with such care and respect.

What I didn't like

Towards the beginning, the music did take me out of the moment a couple times. Otherwise, great show!

My overall impression

This was my first experience with immersive theatre, and what a profound first experience this was. Ashley has created a space for the audience to work through the grieving process alongside the mother & daughter characters, and to reflect on how we work through grief in our own lives. This was an unflinching look at the slow, arduous process of losing a loved one, and while it was uncomfortable, it was also done with so much tenderness and respect. We were in tears at the end. When the lights came up, there was a moment where the audience stayed seated, taking that moment to process in silence. We looked at each other as if to say, “What now?” It was that sort of effect, that contemplation on how we sit within grief, how we move on from it (or don’t). Highly recommend.

Was this review helpful? yes · no
when skies are gray