Suzanne Willett

Tristan Allen’s new work centers on the story of fire.  Osni, the protagonist, begins by picking apples off trees, which for me references the acquisition of knowledge.  Osni then embarks on a Promethean journey.  While I had points of confusion on some parts of the narrative, Mx. Allen does an incredible amount of puppetry, both behind and in front of the screen.  In addition, Mx. Allen composes the music for the show.  A resonant moment for me was when Mx. Allen dons Osni’s

Mr. Nelson’s play is a more of an extended dialectical argument than a play in the dramatic sense.  He does address many philosophical themes, questioning in particular the superiority of function over human form.  Humanity is a central theme here, and in the future of this play, there is no room for it.  Themes of profiting off the penal system and punishment are also touched upon.  Viewers should be aware that they will be challenged by the arguments Nelson makes from God t