Constructed with the taut intensity of a Hitchcockian thriller, THE CHECHENS is a tense thriller, a family drama, and an indictment of homophobia. As a tight-knit family's faith and culture force them to do a difficult, terrible thing to one of their own, the stakes gradually and organically build to a roller coaster of a final scene. Props for an ingenious feat of misdirection, too! The family dynamics are also beautifully observed, allowing for sly humor to be sprinkled throughout. Brilliant!

What a shocking and moving piece of theatre. I was on the edge of my seat from the start. Smith weaves a compelling work of fiction about a very real piece of current events. It's deplorable to hear about what the government of Chechnya does to gay men and this play does a great job at putting faces to the families that are going through these atrocities. This is a really strong ensemble piece with great roles for women in particular. I'd love to see this suspenseful piece of political theatre produced.

My body is still tense from reading this script (I can’t wait to SEE it), despite its humor and breakneck pace—but it was all worth it for that ending! Phillip has taken the typical living room dramedy and ratcheted up the stakes, delivering fully fleshed-out characters you grow attached to, all in the context of a terrifying reality in which queer men are being rounded up and kept in camps. THE CHECHENS is a piece that forces us to asks tough questions about what we’d do during times of persecution without being heavyhanded. Read this play!