←Recommendations of Second Look (10 minute excerpt of SEEING EYE)

What I like about this play is that there is a real sense of humanity here, in both Robbie and Jason. We are not made to pity Jason because of his disability, and like Robbie, we are surprised but not judgmental. This makes me yearn to see more of their relationship and how and where the ways they "see" the world conflict (which is great but it makes me excited to read the full-length). This play would be a great addition to any 10 minute play festival.

LOVELY play! Malakhow has created two fully formed human beings filled with awkwardness, insecurity, and the bravery required when all you have in your arsenal are an earnest need to connect, Iffy timing, and all the wrong words. The ebb and flow of the dialogue is so natural it could be a transcript. One can’t help but root for these men from the get-go, and each little misstep is alarming because you so want them to succeed. The play also provides sharp insight into gay bar dynamics, the community’s devotion to superficiality, and how we can prevail anyway.

This is a clever and quick-moving short play that efficiently explores big themes like what happens when you fall outside of the stereotypical gay image and how our own insecurities can warp our perspectives. That’s not to say it’s preachy or self-serious—on the contrary, it’s packed with great one-liners and an adorable ending. Highly recommended!

The details in Nick Malakhow's script -- found in actions and reactions, dialogue, mindsets, personal histories and the world around the characters -- are rich and deep. They make the characters and their strengths and their flaws real, and they will make the audience appreciate even more that they connect. Because it would be so easy for them not to connect; it's heartening that they do. Malakhow has written a fine short romantic drama.