←Recommendations of It's Not Blood

Noticed that this is on the Parlor bill for the Vet's Rep Theater and also, read this on Veteran's Day. As a vet myself, I see how siblings might both despise and idolize a fallen soldier brother. Ruyle has captured the power and the mystery of this situation with subtlety and craftsmanship. I'm certain the audience at Vet's Rep Parlor will love it!

There’s an underlying sense of intensity that this piece has that connects so vividly with the poignant nature of the circumstances these characters face. Ruyle captures the human spirit so eloquently yet so boldly. This is a play that cuts deep emotionally. The way Ruyle crafts the story makes it so the audience connects to it as if they are part of this family. A beautiful piece of theatre.

A powerfully written short play with numerous layers of subtext and symbolism. Neither of these brothers can openly express their grief at younger soldier brother Billy's passing, yet the "not blood" painted on the ironic "lucky quarter" as well as the references to Playboy and "Pulp Fiction" say everything for them as neither brother can escape the legacy of military service they feel compelled to continue. Not only would this subtle play be a powerful experience on stage, it would also be an exemplary candidate for any playwright to study in how to imply multiple meanings without being heavy-handed.

Heartbreakingly real snapshot of brothers at one of their darkest points as a family, trying to make it mean something while trying to keep things "normal." After such a tragedy, nothing will ever feel "normal" again, but their is some comfort in knowing Jimmy and Danny have each others backs.

It’s so interesting how grieving brothers can talk about essentially everything but their pain, and Kim E. Ruyle has expertly built in subtext that reveals true love, loss and regret. The ending shows the bonds these men have, even with the crude Pulp Fiction references. Beautifully subtle, and a gift for young actors to sink all of their emotion into.

What a gut-punch to the stomach. Ruyle gives us a small gem of a play about what it means to be a man, a brother, a father and a son and the promises we make for our family and because of them.

For me this was a beautiful, yet tragic scene as two brothers talk about Playboy, Blood and prostitutes but the real subject is more emotional, yet shielded by boyish crudeness and bravado. Their discussion of those taken too soon and what it means to their family and to them is a moment you feel privileged to be a part of. Their family and its legacy is one I'd be intrigued to learn more of in this wonderfully constructed piece.

A fascinating examination of what people, working class men in particular, inherit generation by generation. Not just meager tokens and remembrances but attitudes as well. Most powerfully, these young men don't seem to have many options. They're cornered into accepting a lot in society they may not want but are convinced is their duty.

The roles, brothers in their very early 20s, have depth and nuance. Ruyle shows us a tiny corner of a vast world and I wanted them to remain safe where they were.

A subtle naturalistic tragedy that delivers a powerful theatrical punch.

IT'S NOT BLOOD by Kim E. Ruyle, is a behind-the-scenes look at two brother's discussing their brother's death in the military, just before the funeral. These are small town boys/men who shared everything together. There are not a lot of options in their lives and they circle around to (spoiler alert) to joining up - though they're afraid to die. Terse real dialogue brings us into the conversation of these fellows. It is real, it is sorrowful and so well written. Well done.

The tense, gritty dialogue between the two brothers grips you from the offset. Ruyle brings to life their family history brilliantly and we feel the boys pain as they contemplate their future, whether or not to follow their destiny. Great, gripping two hander!