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Nick Malakhow

Recommended by Nick Malakhow

  • WAKE by Vince Gatton
    28 Jan. 2020
    “ WAKE is a unique piece that explores weighty thematic material in a specifically told and compelling story. The specter of the AIDs crisis hangs over the present day issues of alienation, belonging, and a queer couple's search for normalcy in an ever-symbolic but never overbearing way. Esme's podcast interjections punctuate the multi-character scenes beautifully and provide a contemplative framework for Eric and Dan's narrative arc. Toss in some unsettling and spooky moments, and you've got yourself a genre-defying play that consistently surprises and enthralls. ”
  • Holy and Unruly by David Beardsley
    27 Jan. 2020
    “ In this engaging and relevant historical play, Beardsley explores the ways in which women have been time and again forced to carve out power in male dominated spaces through sacrifice and negotiation. "Holy and Unruly" successfully poses the question--is it worth the disempowering and limiting compromises that result? All of the characters in this play are distinctive and speak with clear and unique voices. The dialogue manages to feel of a different era but briskly-paced and cleverly worded. I would love to see the Unborn and Dudley realized with full theatricality onstage! I hope to track this play's development. ”
  • YONCALLA by Rachael Carnes
    24 Jan. 2020
    “ I loved how this play was epic in scope and ambition in its themes and theatrical chutzpah, while tight and super specific in its focus. The specificity of the world actually furthered the universal and currently relevant themes explored--the festering roots of hatred, racism, misogyny, and bigotry; white feminism; bystandership. I also love a play that provides a richly rendered world within the play, but also prompts outside research and consideration of its cultural context. Straightforward dialogue sits parallel to some beautiful poetry and there is much room for designers and directors one production team to leave their mark. ”
  • The Two Kids That Blow Shit Up by Carla Ching
    23 Jan. 2020
    “ What an amazingly observed and rendered portrait of two compelling characters. Ching's refracted chronology is expertly pieced together so as to always keep one wanting to know what happens next but never frustrated by what they don't know. In fact, I was delighted that we were provided a solid foundation for Diana and Max's relationship before we learn some of the central tensions and traumatic events within it. It was a humbling treat to read such well-crafted, natural, and hilarious dialogue. Its humanness made the sad bits hurt more, while also feel strangely healing--much like real and messy friendship. ”
  • Through Andrew's Eyes by Oscar A. L. Cabrera
    23 Jan. 2020
    “ This is a tenderly written portrait of Andrew's external and internal self, as well as of the family that is doing their best to reconfigure their relationships with Andrew. Each character is written with nuance and a distinct voice, and each has their own set of potent goals and motivations. Cabrera renders the familial dynamics with deftly placed humor, lightening the mood at times and highlighting some of the more poignant and sobering realizations all of the characters face about their strengths and limitations. Cabrera also makes good use of theatricality to externalize Andrew's internal life. Beautiful! ”
  • HEARTS OF STONE by Donna Hoke
    22 Jan. 2020
    “ Part ghost story and part intrigue-filled mystery, HEARTS OF STONE is propelled by a compelling and sympathetic protagonist and populated by an eclectic cast of well-drawn characters. I appreciated the subtle foreshadowing of revelations to come throughout, and the pace at which major plot points were revealed. Hoke uses Lydia's motivation to uncover the mystery behind those haunting her as a skillful way to explore and flesh out Lydia's own issues with grief, mental health, and her anxieties of falling into unhealthy familial patterns. A warm sense of humor woven through the piece provides needed levity between urgent discovery. ”
  • The Dog Museum by Stephen Foglia
    22 Jan. 2020
    “ I thoroughly enjoyed reading this tender-hearted, creative, and offbeat play. Foglia does an excellent job of establishing a unique theatrical universe with skillful "showing" of the world versus overly expository world building. Mac's introspective and poignant journey was told with an amazing balance of humor and pathos, and Foglia uses it to illuminate and analyze loneliness and the choices people make to either overcome it or let it consume them. Designers and directors have a lot of room to play within this well-structured piece as well, making it an appealingly adaptable slice of universal, metaphorical truth. ”
  • Mosque4Mosque by Omer Abbas Salem
    21 Jan. 2020
    “ I thoroughly enjoyed following each character's journey in this complex play with a keen eye towards the way one's intersectional identity may shape their life. Equal parts hilarious and poignant, "Mosque4Mosque" explores impactful collisions of nationality, faith/religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, and age. Omer Abbas Salem also renders a dynamic theatrical world that makes good use of transitions in space and time and leaves much room for designers and directors to leave their imprint on how it might be realized on its feet. I hope to have the chance to keep track of this play's trajectory! ”
  • The Incels by Ruth Apolonia Zamoyta
    17 Jan. 2020
    “ Wow! Ambitious in both content and form, Zamoyta's THE INCELS had me engaged in this largely monologue-based play from the get go all the way until the end. These three dynamic and nuanced characters' trajectories were somehow both surprising and yet inevitable. This feels like a propulsive narrative even though the characters don't interact in the flesh. It underscores the simultaneous connection and alienation of online communities that breeds, distorts, and curdles anger, resentment, and loneliness. There is also tons here for designers to go nuts with. I hope to keep track of this play's trajectory! ”
  • you do not look by Callan Stout
    16 Jan. 2020
    “ A beautiful, offbeat, and at times unsettling story about how trauma haunts. Stout explores the abuse and mistreatment of women at the hands of human traffickers, and the ways these women fight to escape, pick themselves up, and reinvent their lives. In Gerda we have a compelling rock of a protagonist who is impossible not to root for throughout. Despite the heavy subject matter, this play is written with nuance and a gentle hand. The transitions, double-casting, and haunting visual landscape also make it a uniquely theatrical piece. I would love to see this on its feet! ”

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