←Recommendations of To See And Be Seen

A stunning, moving short piece about the power of connection. Characters Rhea and Salome are beautifully developed over the course of 10 minutes, and the plot could not feel any more relevant today. I am also deeply appreciative of the positive and thoughtful representation of transgender and visually impaired characters in this piece (both of which are of course historically excluded groups in theater). Beautiful work as usual by playwright John Mabey!

A deeply-felt play about the spaces and distance among all of us these days, as we navigate the pandemic, yet Mabey builds worlds underneath, supporting connection and understanding about so much more, inviting the audience to relate to this organic, evergreen expression of humanity. Simply brilliant.

Not only does the play portray people that we don't see enough of in contemporary theatre, but it also couldn't be more relevant. The issues of social isolation, marginalization, and the possibility for human connection through challenging times and personal conflicts are dramatized through optimism and the utmost respect for its characters. I wish there were more plays like this around.

I watched a reading of this play and loved it so much I had to read the script. Full heart and wit, John’s writing is layered, deft and speaks to our need for human connection. Perfect for Zoom & festivals To See And Be Seen is truly wonderful theatre.

So often we hear about the impersonal and mechanical connections that we make in the digital age. But this short and beautiful piece is all about connecting in ways that go beyond the surface, even when you're just asking for a little assistance. It says a lot about the need for human connection and how we cherish it, even if just for a brief moment, and in this moment, John Mabey has restored a lot of faith in the simple act of helping someone, and showing how it goes both ways.

What a beautiful, touching, and poignant two-hander from John Mabey, in which he explores the need for human connection in the modern digital world with dignity, intelligence, wit, and heart. A gorgeous piece of writing with so many opportunities for staging – both live and the now ubiquitous online platforms – and two roles with enormous depth. Just wonderful.

A beautiful short piece that makes perfect use of video conferencing platforms for the purpose of thoughtful and poignant theater. In ten short pages, Mabey manages to craft two nuanced characters who live at particular identity sections that are underrepresented in theater with regard to gender identity and ability, and gives them life beyond those identifiers while still acknowledging and honoring those identifiers. A touching and original variation on the "two strangers meeting" concept.

I was able to watch a streamed production of “To See and Be Seen,” and I was truly moved by Mabey’s script. A heartfelt, touching story about connection and the very human desire to be seen for who one really is. This would be great for any short play festival, virtual or otherwise.