←Recommendations of The Oktavist

A powerhouse of a ten minute play, and without hyperbole, one of the best I've ever seen. Gatton's piece almost leaves me at a loss for words, for fear I spoil its genius and machinations by saying more. I will say it's funny, heartfelt, mournful, and so unbelievably layered, culminating in a fantastic monologue wherein Dimitri describes something he doesn't quite understand, but we instantly do. And then, of course, we go one step further. Perform this. Study it in class settings. You don't find much better than this.

A moving tale of the longing for a dream and the realization that can come. Well done.

There are epiphanies that can be brought on by visions, by self-awareness, even in a dream; sometimes a combination of all three or more. In this beautifully woven short play, a priest has to convince a young man that what he felt at what he thought was a moment of revelation may be something else entirely. Vince Gatton's deft touch brings out all of the subtle elements of this moment layer upon layer, and what may be the truth is left to us to ponder, which makes it all the more compelling to see and hear.

Gatton captures the longing and, ultimately, disappointment when a dream is denied simply because one is not gifted with the necessary equipment to realize the dream. Beautifully aching monologues and touching relationships, punctuated with smart jabs of humor throughout, make this one of the loveliest short plays I’ve read in a while.