←Recommendations of I LOVE A PARADE, a 10-minute dystopian political drama

This short death march play by Arianna Rose is absurdist, minimalist, theatrical, and very well-executed (oops, accidental pun). There’s rich symbolism - the contrast of L.B., Eric, and Mary wearing masquerade eye masks while chained to one another in rags and marching in place. I LOVE A PARADE with its distinct voices manages to be tender, angry, and gallows humorous. The resolution with the entrance of the mask-maker Lisette and Mary's lucid reaction to her is a powerful statement about the role of culture in the totalitarian state.

Disturbing. Because the kind of oppression depicted in Arianna Rose’s chilling drama has precedent, and the current state of world affairs does not bode well for the future. This is an important cautionary tale that should be shared widely.

Chilling, absolutely chilling. Horror is at its best when it reflects something that is boiling beneath the surface. The harder it is to accept, the more horrific it is when presented. This is a horror play, frightening, heartbreaking, and close enough to smell it. The stomach churning sensation is the mark of a well written play. It’s a fantastic piece.

A chilling portrait of a world in which all differences from the "norm" are cause for eradication. The juxtaposition of the artistry of the masks and the heinous use to which they are put is quite gripping. The self-absorption of the mask maker offers an effective critique of collaborators in a horrific system of oppression. There is so much that is disturbing presented effectively in this harrowing narrative.

Harrowing.

The most potent metaphors and symbols are grounded in reality and circumstance. The line, the masks, how some people are trapped on one path while others can come and go as they please… Rose grounds all of it in a death march. That march itself is grounded in real world fear.

The aforementioned masks set this piece apart most. Execution as entertainment is a long-standing dystopian trope, but execution as an amplification of culture… there’s a self-serving vulgarity to it, like bedazzling an executioner’s hood. Something shiny/pretty to justify the ugly, adding a profoundly disturbing dimension.

A frightening piece of dystopian drama! I fear for our future!

It is difficult to praise this play. Not because it fails to meet its marks, it's breathtaking and wrenching, as it should be. I mean the act of praising it is literally difficult when it's so easy to see how we get from today to the world depicted in Rose's chilling, deftly realized American future. Yes, this happens in any tyrannical state, but we all know what this one is. The masks are just so colorful.

I love a Parade—I’m reminded of the haunting quote by the person who watched all the people be taken off for various reasons causes and never raised their voice to complain or protest. I love a Parade is real life horror and one that could definitely be us the more we become divided against each other and feel our way is the only way. This religious right is saving up money for just this very thing. Raise your voice! Yell, don’t whisper!

I have chills. The juxtaposition of the colorful masks and fun parade met with what they are marching for and toward is devastating. In a way, it seems familiar. The theatre of politics and waving signs. But people continue to die as we enjoy the show.

It's really difficult to read Arianna Rose's play without thinking that this is something that could happen to those who don't fit a certain category. We seem to be heading in that direction. To say this is a cautionary tale is perhaps an understatement, but this is a scary and tautly written play that will certainly make you think and needs to be seen.