The Kritik by Brenda Withers

Set in an imagined corner of 19th century Russia, "The Kritik" tells the story of a provincial theater critic struggling to write his first honest review. A send-up and celebration of the theater, the truth, and all things Chekhovian, the piece joyfully examines how candor, corruption, and community affect the creative process.
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The Kritik

Recommended by

  • Katherine Gwynn:
    7 Feb. 2020
    “ god this play is a DELIGHT. it's laugh out loud funny (really the wit in this is razor sharp) but it also cut to the quick of me more times than I could count. These are characters that feel everything earnestly, and this play prods at what it means to make a play yes, but also what it means to be in community with one another.

    also--oh to be an actor in this. so many breathtaking monologues that always feel desperately earned. ”
  • Keith Reddin:
    15 Mar. 2019
    “ This is a play of genius ”

Character Information

  • VOLYA
    30s-50s,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    A small town theater critic
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • LILIANA
    20s-40s,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    a bar maid in a small Russian town
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • GREGYR
    Any
    ,
    Male
    The owner of a Russian tavern. Irascible.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • ALEXANDRA
    30s-50s,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    A local playwright
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • STAS
    20s-40s,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    A local laborer, recently bitten by the acting bug
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • TATIANA
    20s-40s,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    A local actress
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • MUKHANONONOV
    20s-60s,
    Any
    ,
    Any gender
    A small town newspaper editor
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Male
  • SHRAND
    20s-70s,
    Any
    ,
    Any
    The town's chief administrator
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Male
  • PASHA
    20s-70s,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    A grain salesman
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • KAZMIR
    30s-70s,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    A mysterious stranger
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s+
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

  • Commission
    ,
    Professional Actors Training Program at UNC Chapel Hill
    ,
    2015
  • Reading
    ,
    Harbor Stage Company
    ,
    2015

Production History

  • University
    ,
    Kenan Theater Co @ UNC Chapel Hill
    ,
    2017
  • Professional
    ,
    Harbor Stage Company
    ,
    2016