←

Aleks Merilo

Recommended by Aleks Merilo

  • The Forest by Lia Romeo
    7 Aug. 2019
    “ A totally unique theatrical venture that manages to blur the line between what is relatable and what is fantastical. The at times heavy content is fused with offbeat wit and whimsey, with priceless dialogue along the way ("I actually used to cry in the grocery store all the time."). The imagery makes this play feel like a painting that has come alive. What I like the most is that Romeo respects the intelligence of the audience enough to present us with symbolism without spelling out hammering us over the head with its meaning. I always enjoy her work. ”
  • Tar and Feather by Kristin Idaszak
    6 Aug. 2019
    “ Intense, frantic, and acutely present. The playwright creates an alienated and impersonal world where public shaming becomes fertile ground for entertainment, and then, just when we think we know where it's going, she pulls out the rug from under the audience. The consequences of the unpredictable final scenes become raw, barbarous and pitiless. Terse lines like "They care online" and "Everything I have to say is all online" speak volumes after the curtain has fallen. The written style holds enormous potential for collaborating between director and designers. I look forward to reading more by Kristin Idaszak. ”
  • Caesar's Blood by Rich Rubin
    5 Aug. 2019
    “ Once again, the playwright has managed to capture a moment of history that feels completely applicable to to our present moment. Brotherly compassion and sibling rivalry play out in the nearly regal backstage setting at Shakespeare's Julius Caesar". The play takes on what could be cumbersome with a sense of levity, and even a somewhat wicked sense of humor - Especially when the reviews arrive in Act two. But it never loses sight of the hatred, radicalism, and violence to come. The final speech sets the stage for destiny in a chilling reveal the audience will not easily forget. ”
  • Magellanica by E. M. Lewis
    4 Aug. 2019
    “ I read this play knowing that it shouldn't work - That it was too enormous in scope and theme, to logistically large, and too topical to be dramatic. I was wrong on every count. Ellen has done the impossible here. With "Magellanica", the playwright has achieved a level of dramatic alchemy that is almost unheard of, excluding perhaps the works of Tony Kushner or Paula Vogel. That a 250+ page play leaves the audience with a cliffhanger leaving us wanting more is just one of the many rabbits Ellen pulls out of her hat. A truly one-of-a-kind theatrical experience. ”
  • Lean In With Liz! by Rachel Bublitz
    6 Mar. 2019
    “ A challenging and self-reflective look at feminism, sacrifice, and what it means to grow up. Rachel Bublitz writes a profound dialogue about the dichotomy of dreams, practicality, and where they strain to meet. Though humorous in nature, there is something very emotional about the prospect of a child evaluating themselves in their adulthood. Another thought provoking aspect is the challenge of the heroic aunt, who appears not to give an answer, but present the challenging question of what do you do when ideals become strained past their breaking point? Funny and touching, new parents can definitely relate to this one. ”
  • The Poe Asylum by Rachel Luann Strayer
    3 Mar. 2019
    “ Reminiscent of "Sleep No More", Strayer has picked a near perfect vessel for an interactive, 4th wall breaking, theatrical venture. The journey of Poe's works from story-to-stage is deftly handled- These are not simply transcribed texts. Strayer's adaptations are respectful and reverent to the source material, yet with the gentlest of touches, she mines dramatic potential, especially in the cases of "The Premature Burial" and "The Black Cat." This script presents many, many exciting possibilities, and would be a feast for actors, directors, and designers. For an audience, this would truly be a one-of-a-kind experience. ”
  • The Imaginary Invalid by Oded Gross
    2 Mar. 2019
    “ I reread this script, having seen its delightful production at the Oregon Shakespeare festival a few years ago. This is an joyful, witty, and clever adaptation of Moliere, which through clever artistry, manages to update the original without editorializing on it. While it actually touches on some heady contemporary themes, it maintains in the spirit of Moliere, with chaos abounding in all directions before being contained in a sweet final moment. I laughed until I though I was doing damage to my heart. Gross' adaptations have been outstanding for years, and I also recommend "Servant of Two Masters." ”
  • KODACHROME by Adam Szymkowicz
    28 Feb. 2019
    “ I had the pleasure of watching this play evolve from the JAW festival, to full production at Portland Center Stage. While Szymkowicz’s plays often revolve around rich comedy, Kodachrome is a much more sensitive and gentle work. Through the clever dramatic device of a photographer, the small and quiet lives of Colchester flash before us, giving us brief glimpses into the endearing relationships. The play is bittersweet at times, humorous at others – But the punctuation of scenes by use of the photographer tie together this moments in a poignant whole. I walked out of the theater smiling.
    ”
  • LAST TRAIN TO NIBROC by Arlene Hutton
    27 Feb. 2019
    “ I’ve had the good fortune of seeing this play more than once, and each time a new facet of the relationship between Raleigh and May reveals itself. This play is sweet, endearing and funny from the first scene on. We get to watch Raleigh’s boyish good nature and May’s pious wholesomeness grow and change as they step over the edge of youth and become aware of the complexities and imperfections of their lives and the world. It is no surprise this play has had countless productions. Check out the rest of the Nibroc trilogy as well! ”
  • Monsters Are Made by Hannah C Langley
    24 Feb. 2019
    “ With echoes of Sarah Kane, Langley ventures into the nearly taboo territory of friendship after a sexual assault. This is a relentless, white-knuckle affair, and I have a lot of respect for Langley seeing this plot through to its inevitable conclusion, and going where a lot of writers would not dare. It’s most impressive feat is forcing the audience to contemplate the limits of forgiveness, while getting into the mind of an apologetic predator. The line “you’re still my best friend” has never been so uncomfortable. ”

Pages