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Nick Malakhow

Recommended by Nick Malakhow

  • La Llorona by Cecelia Raker
    3 Dec. 2019
    “ In "La Llorona," Raker has created a unique and well-drawn theatrical world. Lyrical poetry, irregularly human naturalism, and haunting movement theater co-exist beautifully side by side. Rachel, Maria, and Molly are all incredibly distinct and compelling central characters with powerful journeys to go on. I love how this piece moves at a steady and intentional clip, but eschews cliched plot structure. When I got to the end, the effect felt almost like taking in an impressionistic painting--this sense that the whole was something profound and also so necessarily made up of its individual parts. Produce this! ”
  • How Sweet The Sound by Eryn Elyse McVay
    3 Dec. 2019
    “ McVay crafts an impeccably built fantasy/horror world that chills to the bone! She manages to both establish a wholly new society with its own set of rules, while forcing readers to think of their own roles in society as victims, perpetrators, bystanders, and complicit accomplices to social dysfunction. The Southern gothic elements pair well with the nightmare horror. Each character is distinctly defined, and the haunting and beautiful visual and aural landscape McVay builds provides fodder for directors and designers alike. There aren't enough good horror plays in the world, and I hope this one gets produced often! ”
  • The Place That Made You by Darcy Parker Bruce
    2 Dec. 2019
    “ What an absolutely gorgeous play! The engrossing dialogue is both lyrical and spare--it feels as if not a word is wasted. Darcy Parker Bruce also creates an exquisitely theatrical world in a visual and aural sense as well. It is easy to see how not only actors but also directors and designers would have a field day with this script. Finally, it is so awesome to see a powerful and universal story about grief, healing, trauma, and home populated by humans who don't often get to tell that story. I hope to see this produced far and wide! ”
  • Last Night in Inwood by Alix Sobler
    2 Dec. 2019
    “ A deftly rendered micro-cosm of the city is brought together in an apartment as imminent disaster looms! Sobler has created a fascinating and naturalistic portrait of how a scenario such as this might play out in real life. The page-turning dialogue moves at a brisk pace and the world building, ever important in a science fiction piece, is subtle but richly layered and communicated mostly through the socio-cultural issues at play. I hope to see a production of this sometime in the near future! ”
  • Neat. by Eryn Elyse McVay
    1 Dec. 2019
    “ In this piece, McVay has crafted an incredibly compelling portrait of the scars that toxic and unhealthy relationships can leave us with. Rowan and Alex's history unfolds in funny and human dialogue that beautifully captures the irregularities of natural speech. By the end of the piece, we understand exactly why they self destructed in the past as well as who they are in the present. The ending is poignant, sad, and yet also looking towards the future. I look forward to seeing where this piece goes next! ”
  • Black Hollow by Aeneas Sagar Hemphill
    1 Dec. 2019
    “ This is an exquisitely gorgeous theatrical poem! Like a mosaic or quilt, characters, places, and moments weave in and out of focus. The overall effect feels grounded, complete, and very much something more profound than just the sum of its parts. Like RIMERS OF ELDRITCH and LARAMIE PROJECT, BLACK HOLLOW balances individual humanity and nuanced characters with a fully-rendered community. A quiet and poignant treatment of mass shootings and a potent examination of small town alienation. I hope to see this beautifully theatrical work on its feet! ”
  • Goddess Of The Hunt by Doug DeVita
    30 Nov. 2019
    “ This is a funny, witty, and salacious satirical mystery! I appreciate the "queering" of this genre, which makes the story and characters feel fresh and intriguing. The scenes move at a brisk pace, and I found DeVita's dialogue to strike a great balance between hilarity and plot-driving exchanges. The characters, particular the dynamic duo of Diana and Percy, are dynamic and complex. I look forward to seeing this piece's continued journey--it seems as if it would be a blast on its feet. ”
  • The Troll King by Aeneas Sagar Hemphill
    30 Nov. 2019
    “ An epic and fantastical exploration of the conflicting ways we use technology to escape responsibility, exert power for both good and evil, and to live out parts of our identities that we cannot leave in the real world. Hemphill has written a darkly humorous play with a large cast that represents a variety of voices and perspectives. This definitely reads as a highly theatrical ride, and I'd be so very curious to see it on its feet and staged! ”
  • The Wicked One by Lisa Sanaye Dring
    30 Nov. 2019
    “ Wow! This beautiful and haunting piece took my breath away! Melancholy and lyrical narration punctuates impeccably-observed scenes of nuanced naturalism. Lee Kit and Sam's relationship provides a devastating exploration of family, mental illness, trauma, and outsidership. The playwright also provides for us a uniquely theatrical representation of schizophrenia, as well as an overall theatrical world that would be visually rich in production. This play begs to be put on its feet, and I hope to see a production sometime soon! ”
  • Phillie's Trilogy by Doug DeVita
    30 Nov. 2019
    “ A fabulous coming of age story that meanders back and forth through time to great effect. Phillie/Philip is a compelling protagonist, and the supporting cast is a fantastically colorful and well rendered group of personalities. DeVita examines childhood trauma and the lasting impact our families have on our adult selves. There is also a meaty and clever double-casting plot that reinforces those themes beautifully. I'd love to see this highly theatrical piece on its feet. ”

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