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Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death Reviews
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Real Raw Review by: Wandaful, Jun 12, 2006 |
| Be prepared to be up close and personal with the actors. This play is performed amidst the audience in a club setting. There is so much activity going on it's sometimes difficult to know where to focus your attention. Mr. Van Peebles bring us into the hard core, nitty gritty, seances of the street world. At times, it's difficult to watch but the scenarios remind us that as much as things change they still remain the same. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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Family
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Go! Review by: JC, Jun 3, 2006 |
Thirty-five years ago, in 1971, Melvin Van Peebles play, "Aint Supposed to Die a Natural Death," was nominated for a Tony Award. Mr. Peeble's play is noted for its introduction of a genre, i.e., the spoken word, and rap, to a staged performance. It is a play so rich in these elements, that they become the very setting that weaves snippets across the room into a tapestry heavy enough to suffocate anyone who forgets to breathe while watching ... read more this stunning production.
In writing "Aint Supposed to Die a Natural Death," Mr. Melvin Van Peebles has created a play that is not only viewed, but internalized. Some for a moment, some for an evening, and others, for a lifetime.
One cannot help but to form opinions, and ideas, about the parade of characters -- each one telling a dramatic tale of city life in lusty, or loving, detail. None of them can be ignored, as they are physically in your space. At times, they're even pointing their accusing fingers, in your face.
You are given vignettes of graphically depicted lives, and only you will know if they are real or not. Your conscience is as much a part of this evening as are the characters. If you've lived these tales, then perhaps some of what is depicted is real. If you've only heard about them, you might wonder, "Isn't this just a stereotype?"
The characters include a homeless woman, without voice, until she has reason to speak. There's a blind man in love with a woman who is actually a transvestite. There's a prostitute, lured away from her old, sneakered love to pursue new, blue, satin shoes. The list goes on as the characters sweep the floor like a tsunami, literally churning the spectators around in their seats. The lighting, music and words rush forth, and one is compelled to locate the direction of the next stimulus. The audience becomes part of the experience--some to their delight, and some to their horror.
This isn't just a play. I enjoyed watching/sharing the reactions of the audience as much as the characters, themselves. The entire evening was an experience, created, it would seem, to make one think-- to make one feel. And aren't those two important roles of art?
Genius.
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Large Group
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Fun Night Out Review by: Toni, May 16, 2006 |
| Such a fun night. The cast, music and direction were excellent. A must see for being so modestily priced. The actors are right there with you..a nice touch having in a club scene. I am considering going to see this play again, that's how much I enjoyed it. I have to thank Melvin VanPeebles for bringing this back to Broadway. |
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must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Tourists, Adults
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| * Review is an opinion of a BroadwayBox user and not that of BroadwayBox.com and BroadwayBox, Inc. |
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