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Songbird by Rachel Luann Strayer

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Recommendations

Recommendations

  • Tyler Joseph Rossi:
    24 Jun. 2020
    “ There is music in silence. This piece highlights that duality - the beauty and life of music and the pain of what is left unsaid. Themes of trauma and abuse are tackled with grace and real humanity. It's got a few really good, hard, dramatic punches that really land. Boy, do they land. Strayer really has a home run on her hands here. ”
  • Nick Malakhow:
    16 Mar. 2020
    “ I love the way that Strayer weaves back and forth through time. These shifts structure the play, keep the tension high, and elegantly reveal the truth behind Jess' selective mutism. All of the characters are well-defined and sympathetic. I rooted for both Brit and Jess even as they bristled against one another. An 11th hour betrayal hits hard and potently motivates Jess' response to trauma. While Strayer tackles weighty issues like abuse, assault, and trauma, there is a great deal of hope and humor in this piece to keep it human. Lastly, the songs are absolutely beautiful! ”
  • Claudia Haas:
    22 Feb. 2020
    “ So many layers of me, too, child abuse, and silence. Silence as protection, silence as a weapon. Quick moving, honest, and searing, there is a lot to be uncovered here. A song can be more honest than a confession. A song heightens a reality. A song can tell a truth. A song heightens reality. And one must choose the words of a song carefully. A poignant look at coping when your world is shattered. ”
  • Stephen Kaplan:
    29 Nov. 2019
    “ A beautifully written piece that finds the conflict in and power of silence. Intricately layered and nuanced with very strong roles for women. The mystery that lies behind Jess' silence keeps the audience invested as does the emotional connection between sisters, friends, and strangers as well. ”