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Nick Malakhow

Recommended by Nick Malakhow

  • at the very bottom of a body of water by Benjamin Benne
    14 Aug. 2019
    “ The deliberate and thoughtful pacing on this piece allows for the poetry and strength of the images to unfold organically and surprisingly. I was absolutely delighted by this play's central characters and the ways in which their nuanced relationship built throughout. All of the pieces I've read of Benne also read as amazingly theatrical and as if they would be aural and visual feasts, and this one is no exception! I would love to see a production of this someday very soon! ”
  • The Tasters by Meghan Brown
    14 Aug. 2019
    “ A fresh, darkly comedic, and terrifying allegory. In a prescient manner, this timely piece explores the dangers of complicity and the realities behind the self-interested choices people make when large swaths of society are in danger instead of being upstanders. From the complex heroes to the frighteningly misguided villains, I was captivated by the nuanced characters and inventive and succinct world building. I sincerely hope to see a production of this soon! ”
  • The Tragic Ecstasy of Girlhood by Kira Rockwell
    10 Aug. 2019
    “ Through just a few deftly rendered and three dimensional characters, Rockwell paints a vivid world that so beautifully and heartbreakingly demonstrates the oppressive structures and institutions that young women continually encounter. Rather than miring the narrative in only the collective trauma of these women, this play brilliantly shows the ways people can come together to survive and heal in limiting circumstances. This nuanced piece explores each character's story with great tenderness, humor, and care. Hope to see a production of this soon! ”
  • FLEX by Candrice Jones
    10 Aug. 2019
    “ What a treat it was to read this play--each character was unique, compelling, and deftly realized. Jones' multi dimensional treatment of all of these women's narratives helps reinforce what the play says about team dynamics and friendship. Additionally, the irregular structure kept me super engaged and the high theatricality (of game/practice scenes, the ritual, the whole fourth quarter, etc) made me yearn to see this fully realized onstage. I hope to see it developed more and produced soon! ”
  • OLD COWBOY CHUCK: A MONOLOGUE FOR A GAY SENIOR by Asher Wyndham
    8 Aug. 2019
    “ This monologues spends equal time tickling your funny bone and tugging on your heartstrings. A distinct and underrepresented identity intersection in contemporary theater makes this piece feel fresh. I so appreciate that this, like Wyndham's many other pieces, goes beyond defining a character by one aspect of their identity and seeks to illuminate the experiences of someone living at a unique identity crossroad. ”
  • THE WORLD'S BEST HUSBAND: A MONOLOGUE by Asher Wyndham
    8 Aug. 2019
    “ An entertaining and creative piece where we see the de-evolution of a husband into a temper tantrum at his wife's lack of responsiveness to what he perceives is really putting himself out for her! Simple on the surface and with a great throughline to perform, the social commentary that emerges from this man's progression--commentary about gender roles, social expectations, adult masculinity--is the real treat to see unfolding! ”
  • Our Dear Dead Drug Lord by Alexis Scheer
    4 Aug. 2019
    “ I saw a reading of this at the LTC Carnaval, the workshop in Boston, and now the WP Theatre production in New York, and each time I've been absolutely floored! What a compelling set of characters who speak with distinct and clear voices. The sacred space of the tree house, original characters and conflicts, the use of dance, ritual, and a surprising but super effective "Deus Ex" denouement make for play that is gutting, speaks terrifying and important truths...and is somehow also hilarious at times along the way. I hope this has a long life post premiere! ”
  • THE PLATYPODES by Asher Wyndham
    3 Aug. 2019
    “ I'll add my voice to the chorus of people recommending this insightful and wrenching play. In addition to the being impressed by the morally complex situations these nuanced characters face, I am left thinking about how wonderfully theatrical this play is--the way it plays with space, time, and transitions is superb. Just reading it paints a vivid and visually dynamic image in my head which, no doubt, would be totally different than another director's equally intriguing interpretation of the physical space, sounds, etc. All this is to say I hope to see this in production sometime in the near future! ”
  • Rules of a Closed Door by Exal Iraheta
    3 Aug. 2019
    “ A wrenching and beautifully rendered piece. Each character is drawn with a deft hand and has been constructed with a great deal of empathy. A very complex examination of trauma and abuse that gives nuanced insight into the abuser without excusing their actions, as well as gives voice to the abused without making them merely a victim. The contextual narrative about local politics and activism helps situate the text and give it a genuine sense of place and specificity. Hope to see this developed/produced some day soon! ”
  • Then, Of Course, All The Things Happened by Max Reuben
    31 Jul. 2019
    “ Absolutely gorgeous! I loved all of these small and beautifully observed and captured moments. I can so easily see how each micro-story could take on new and exciting nuances if a truly diverse ensemble of actors were brought together to stage this. Beautifully universal like "Our Town," but in a way that someone like me might not have to do mental gymnastics to map that cis-het-white narrative onto my own unique identity crossroad. I'd love to see this in production. ”

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