Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Go See "Gidion's Knot" by Bridge Repertory Theater - A Gripping Drama



The short nature of this review in no way indicates a lack of passion for this Bridge Repertory Theater's production of "Gidion's Knot."  I am running to catch my transportation to NYC and have only a few minutes in which to alert White Rhino Report readers of their last few chances to catch this remarkably moving play.

Here is the plot as described in the Playbill:

Plot Synopsis:

Over the course of an unannounced parent/teacher conference, a mother and the teacher of her 5th grade child have a fraught conversation about the suspension of the mother’s son, Gidion. During the highly charged encounter, details of the boy’s behavior are revealed, while questions are raised about everything from school bullying to the nature of creative expression. A finalist for the Harold and Mimi Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association New Play Award, Gidion’s Knot ensnares actors and audience alike through its suspenseful execution and timely themes. 

To say any more about the plot or the action would be to ruin the suspense of this beautifully written and crafted play by Johnna Adams.  Directed skillfully by Karen MacDonald this play treats in creative ways a cornucopia of issues: conformity, the role of authority, what makes a good parent, who is to blame when a child go "wrong," what are the limits of artistic expression, what constitutes bullying.  Ms. Adams provides no facile answers for these complex issues.

I cannot say enough about Deb Martin as Corryn Fell, Gidion's mother and Olivia D'Ambrsio as Heather Clark, Gidion's 5th grade teacher.  The two actors put on a Master Class in acting that ran for 90 minutes of breathless intrigue.

The show, running at Boston Center for the Arts, runs through this Sunday.  Use the link below to purchase your tickets.  You will not be sorry.

Bridge Rep Site

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