←Recommendations of Bodies

An urgently and deeply needed message in response to the extent of the violence in this culture related to guns and domestic violence. Well done.

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the individual right to keep and bear arms. What could that possibly do to a woman brought up in violence, applauded for it and maybe even in desperate need for it? Bykowshi puts a different spin on the issues of gun and domestic violence and investigates what would happen if the two ever met while asking us uncomfortable but important questions on what one could do with violence.

This play gets more timely every day. I love how the language works on me. I love how the metaphors let me wander around in the darkness of it all. I love how easy it would be to produce. I love how good the work could be onstage - a great play to be in! I love how no one can look away while it's happening. It fixes us to it. Great work!

BODIES is like an onion. The more you read, the more layers you find hidden. My expectations were defied again and again in the best kind of way. I found it both theatrical and lyrical, using language in beautiful juxtaposition. A thoughtful short play that would make an excellent addition to an evening of shorts.

This is a haunting little piece. It's much darker than what I've read from Bykowski so far but the way she unravels the bigger picture is breath-taking and and as masterful as her other works. This play addresses so many important issues that we never talk about and it should be produced ninety times for each one it tackles.

As I finished this play, I realized I'd been holding my breath -- this play is intense, immediate, in your face. The shifting balance of power between these two characters makes this play truly sing. The tenderness, gentleness between W and her gun is juxtaposed so shockingly and effectively with the violent intensity of her shadowboxing and chanting. This is an important piece of the conversation about the relationship between gun violence and domestic violence -- about what it means to bring violence home with you in your body and in your mind. Brilliant, beautiful, timely.

Certainly one of the most important, integral, and interesting relationships to discuss and dismantle in the investigation of gun violence, laws, and control. Bykowski makes a breathtaking move through her focus on a marine, a supposed killing machine, who - in fact - "gets it." The lust, temptation, and subjugation her "partner" commits to is bizarrely clear, tragically urgent, and absurdly recognizable. This play is insightful, courageous, clever, and brave.