Discover how Belarus Free Theater’s “KS6: Small Forward” and three other captivating shows showcase unique interpretations of conflicts and confrontations on stage.
Exploring the vibrant theater scene in New York City, one can find a plethora of small-scale productions that tackle political issues in innovative and imaginative ways. These Off and Off Off Broadway shows offer a unique and intimate experience for audiences, connecting them with the world around them. Let’s delve into four compelling plays that are currently captivating audiences in the Big Apple.
One such production is “KS6: Small Forward” by the Belarus Free Theater, a defiantly activist group led by Natalia Kaliada and Nicolai Khalezin. Forced to flee their homeland’s dictatorship in 2011, the artistic directors infuse their work with themes of dissension and discord. Running at La MaMa until October 13, this play follows the journey of retired professional basketball player Katsiaryna Snytsina, from her childhood in a Soviet Republic to the European basketball courts. The production incorporates video footage of Snytsina’s career highlights, including her triumphant moments with the London Lions. Khalezin’s scenic design features a three-point semicircle and a basketball hoop, adding an interactive element with a mid-show shooting competition.
Delivered in English, Snytsina’s raw and charismatic performance reveals her experiences in a sports system rife with bullying and challenges. She candidly discusses her identity as a lesbian, highlighting the oppressive regime’s view of her social media presence as extremist. The play also delves into the violent suppression of pro-democracy protests in Minsk in 2020, symbolized by a basketball spewing blood as it is destroyed. Snytsina’s poignant reflection on the longevity of dictatorship in Belarus prompts American viewers to consider the implications of political manipulation, drawing a parallel with the potential consequences of electoral fraud in the United States.
Moving on to another thought-provoking production, “The Inheritance” at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre offers a contemporary take on E.M. Forster’s classic novel “Howards End.” Written by Matthew Lopez, this two-part epic explores the lives of gay men in New York City a generation after the peak of the AIDS crisis. The play delves into themes of legacy, privilege, and the enduring impact of past traumas on present-day relationships. With a diverse cast and a powerful narrative, “The Inheritance” invites audiences to reflect on the complexities of identity, community, and love in the modern world.
Meanwhile, at the Public Theater, “Coal Country” sheds light on the human cost of the mining industry in America. Created by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen in collaboration with the families of the Upper Big Branch mine disaster victims, this documentary-style play offers a poignant tribute to the lives lost in the 2010 explosion. Through a combination of personal testimonies, music, and multimedia elements, “Coal Country” honors the resilience of the mining community while raising important questions about corporate responsibility, worker safety, and environmental impact. This powerful production serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by working-class Americans in the pursuit of justice and accountability.
Lastly, “Heroes of the Fourth Turning” at Playwrights Horizons delves into the complexities of conservative ideology and generational divides in contemporary America. Written by Will Arbery, this Pulitzer Prize finalist explores the lives of a group of young conservatives grappling with their beliefs, relationships, and fears in the aftermath of the 2016 election. Set against the backdrop of a reunion at a Wyoming college, the play delves into themes of faith, politics, and identity, offering a nuanced portrayal of ideological differences and personal struggles. With its sharp dialogue, complex characters, and timely themes, “Heroes of the Fourth Turning” challenges audiences to confront their own biases and preconceptions, sparking conversations about the future of conservatism in a rapidly changing society.
In conclusion, the diverse array of Off and Off Off Broadway productions in New York City offers audiences a rich tapestry of stories, perspectives, and experiences. From political activism and social justice to personal identity and cultural heritage, these plays engage with pressing issues and timeless themes, inviting audiences to reflect, question, and connect with the world around them. Whether exploring the legacy of past traumas, the human cost of industrial disasters, or the complexities of conservative ideology, these productions illuminate the complexities of the human experience and the power of storytelling to provoke thought, inspire change, and foster empathy.
Source: The NY Times
