←Recommendations of BRILLIANT WORKS OF ART

"Brilliant Works of Art" is a play that explores the complexities of relationships and identity. The dialogue is sharp and witty, revealing the characters' depths through interactions. Donna Hoke's talent shines in crafting scenes that flow seamlessly.

A tight, intelligent script with compelling and layered characters. There is so much to unpack in this story that cuts to the heart of human interactions around trust, lies, power, and desire. "Brilliant Works of Art" leaves audiences with a lot to discuss on the ride home, which is what theatre should continually strive for. I cannot recommend this play highly enough.

Donna is truly phenomenal, and her play proves to be just as phenomenal as she is! I am assistant directing a staged reading of BWOA right now, and the amount of depth, honesty, and courage in her script has allowed our cast to have such impactful and thoughtful conversations about relationships, double-standards, male vs. female roles in society, and our views on what love truly means and the many ways we are capable of loving. We know our audience will leave having these meaningful conversations, as well. Her play is bold, truthful, and BRILLIANT...and will leave everyone wanting more.

Donna Hoke is always surprising, her characters disarming, her themes intricately explored. We recorded BWOA at play4keeps.org with Anthony Heald, Stefani Potter, and Román Zaragoza and the play just smokes! It was a very deft, in-your-face look at the way priorities shape the relationships we build and the choices we own. The conclusion may rattle you a bit, but it won't leave you doubting who's really in charge.

Brilliant Works of Art was chosen for inclusion in the Angels Theatre Company's Salon Reading Series 2020-21. May 2021

There is something of Neil LaBute's The Shape of Things on the surface of Donna Hoke's Brilliant Works of Art. Art, sex, intention, and meaning all intertwine to enrich and complicate the tenuous (but thrilling) connection between the artist and the work of art (on multiple levels). However, Hoke does not twist her plot by redefining a character's motives. Instead, she delves deeper into all three characters to reveal the internal twisting among themselves. Deeply disturbing, and deeply satisfying.

Brilliant Works of Art gives us a glimpse into a world in which relationships are complicated. Who controls whom is always up in the air, and we learn through Abby's compromises that what we're willing to do for love -- and money -- might surprise us. But what will be the real cost? I'd love to see this on stage! It has great, complex roles for actors, and will keep the audience talking for a long time after the curtain falls. Fascinating!

Donna Hoke’s Brilliant Works of Art is… brilliant. Clever, sensuous dialogue that explores deceit, adultery, ambition, talent, disappointment, and shame. A fiercely independent sugar baby, the complex sugar daddy, and the insecure nerd of an artist form a triangle that slaps, punches, and surprises us right up to the final curtain. Can we have it all? If so, what price are we willing to pay? And what are we risking? Bravo!

In this historical moment when every choice feels literally like a matter of life and death, it's easy to believe we're all just victims of churlish fate; luckily, Donna Hoke's "Brilliant Works of Art" serves as a refreshing reminder that we're actually in charge of our own destines, for better or for worse. Smart, provocative, and deeply insightful, this play illuminates for audiences the shared struggle we all face to be our truest selves.

A tight, sharp-edged triangle featuring three finely-etched characters, briskly poetic dialogue, and a story that isn't so much a morality tale as a morality maze. Is happiness a transaction? Does love really figure into it any more than symbolically? And what does it mean to be honest? You might find yourself mulling these questions and others as you follow the sure-footed way Donna Hoke lays out this alluring drama.

"Brilliant Works of Art" daringly explores the extent to which people are willing to part ways with propriety in order to not only survive, but have it all. The dialogue is mesmerizing, the plot riveting and provocative. The story is refreshingly original and beautifully crafted. I saw an online reading. The words and characterizations are so complete I didn’t miss props or scenery one bit. The play’s complex female lead is as bold and memorable as those of Tennessee Williams, Edward Albee and David Mamet. Artistic Directors: next time you consider staging their plays, stage this one instead.