The Niceties
By Eleanor Burgess
Directed by Sasha Maya Ada
Produced by Theatre Three
Audience Rating: R for strong language
Running Time: 90 minutes with one 15-minute intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices Available: Not available
Sensory-friendly Showing: Not available
ASL Showing: Not available
Production Sound/Lighting Level: Comfortable
Noises and Visuals to Prepare For: Dramatic music, flashing lights
Reviewed by Eddy Herring
Have you ever found yourself on either side of a debate knowing that there would likely be no resolution? Unfortunately, most of us have and we find ourselves vocalizing our points of view to deaf ears and not successfully conveying our thoughts in a respectful and unemotional manner. If both sides refuse to hear the other person, there is no room for debate or civil discourse. The result is anger, frustration and more polarized, division. And instead of agreeing to disagree, we just disagree and don’t grow. Such is the case with The Niceties.
This piece is both thought-provoking and frustrating at the same time. It perfectly demonstrates the timely views and struggles within our current political environment. We are all so very passionate about our perspective on certain topics, that we completely shut out any idea or thought that does not align with our own. We watch this play out every day in social media, on television, and in our own personal interactions. Until we learn to listen to each other and learn to respect one other’s views, this will continue.
The action takes place in the office of history professor, Janine Bosco, beautifully set designed by Lauren Wheat. Lighting by John Moss II and sound by Claudia Martinez perfectly compliment the story. Director Sasha Maya Ada expertly matched two powerhouse performers to bring this show to life.
Krista Scott (Janine) expertly navigates the history scholar grounded in her learning and steadfast in her belief in the facts of history as they were written. She is a strong and independent conventionalist that has earned her place. Scott is a force, and is a master at debate until a line is crossed. I found her to be the perfect subject matter expert, calmly and factually defending the reasons for her stance.
This piece is both thought-provoking and frustrating at the same time. It perfectly demonstrates the timely views and struggles within our current political environment. We are all so very passionate about our perspective on certain topics, that we completely shut out any idea or thought that does not align with our own. We watch this play out every day in social media, on television, and in our own personal interactions. Until we learn to listen to each other and learn to respect one other’s views, this will continue.
The action takes place in the office of history professor, Janine Bosco, beautifully set designed by Lauren Wheat. Lighting by John Moss II and sound by Claudia Martinez perfectly compliment the story. Director Sasha Maya Ada expertly matched two powerhouse performers to bring this show to life.
Krista Scott (Janine) expertly navigates the history scholar grounded in her learning and steadfast in her belief in the facts of history as they were written. She is a strong and independent conventionalist that has earned her place. Scott is a force, and is a master at debate until a line is crossed. I found her to be the perfect subject matter expert, calmly and factually defending the reasons for her stance.
Nicole Renee Johnson as Zoe, the millennial student simply wanting feedback on her thesis quickly becomes an equal match for Janine, raising questions about every statement made. These opposing questions start to undermine the “history” and the debate begins. Johnson is dynamic in this role. She embodies this activist character with power and control. However, once a line is crossed, the debate turns into a shouting match that no one is going to win. Zoe is ultimately responsible for an action that completely changes both of their lives. Was it worth it, or was it a price too expensive to pay just to win your point?
Come see the show and find out. You will feel a lot of emotion, regardless of which side you’re on. But it is a journey worth witnessing. These two actors were so compelling that you will feel as if you were watching a real, unscripted debate in real time. I was completely vested.
The show runs through October 12 in the Theatre Too space. Tickets are available at theatre3dallas.com
Come see the show and find out. You will feel a lot of emotion, regardless of which side you’re on. But it is a journey worth witnessing. These two actors were so compelling that you will feel as if you were watching a real, unscripted debate in real time. I was completely vested.
The show runs through October 12 in the Theatre Too space. Tickets are available at theatre3dallas.com
Go see the show!
Eddy
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