←Recommendations of This Vessel Is A Fragile Thing

A gorgeous play that combines lyrical poetry with moments of human naturalism. I also loved the way Willis uses dreams as a structural element. The dreams--both in content and in form--help mirror the Body's external and internal negotiations and conflicts in a potent and direct way. I'll definitely be thinking for a long while about the stage images and creative theatricality of this piece, as well as its human, poignant ending that captures both the melancholy and feelings of liminality the Body is experiencing in the moment while they also look forward as well.

As someone who both experiences dysphoria and memories of growing up with tornados, this play was such a magical read for me - I'd love to see it performed. The way in which the internal feelings of self mix with the abstract imagery that Britt Willis creates would truly feel right at home up on a stage. Their creativity is in full view here.

I love plays that challenge the form! There was not a single moment where I wasn’t emotionally invested in Britt's poetry. This was incredibly mesmerizing play to read about our relationship to the body that also felt so deeply truthful and honest. This is an intimate play that is meant to be SEEN.

I was lucky enough to see a virtual staged reading of This Vessel is a Fragile Thing on March 23 and I know I'm going to be thinking about it for a long time. Tristan does weird in the very best way — weird that makes you think and wrestle and marvel and care. I cannot wait for there to be a fully produced version because I picture it full of dance and technicolor dreams. Thank you for writing this, Tristan!

This is just the latest play by Willis that has absolutely broken my heart in the best possible way. I always feel seen in their words and imagination in a way that few, if any, other artists manage. And I urge you to produce this. To write this rec, I first looked for an especially good line to pull to show you just how much you should produce this play. But I couldn't find one. Truly, do yourself (and your heart) a favor and read it so you can love it as much as I do.

This stunning play is a thrill ride moving between breathtaking, specific ideas that are lovely to dive deep into as a play-lover and a joy to watch as an audience-member. Overall, Vessel feels refreshingly new. Britt is beautifully tackling the form and structure of theatre in a way that blows my mind. While accomplishing all of these amazing things, Vessel still feels intimate and human. It's gorgeous, heartfelt, and a great example of what plays can achieve.

One of the many things I love about Britt’s work is their ability to turn abstract or internal feelings into striking theatrical images, and this play is a master class in that. This script will speak to anyone who’s ever felt at odds with their own body, had a complex relationship with their family, or just generally struggles to avoid the messy parts of life rather than confront them head on (so, everyone, basically) — which makes it both deeply personal and also marvelously universal. I can’t wait to see this one produced!