Revolutionary Love

I don't make a point of seeing much theatre in LA... past experiences have shown me that in this town many of the actors, writers, directors - you name it - are involved in theatre merely as a means of finding an agent or showcasing their work, as opposed to being involved solely out of love for this particular storytelling medium. That mentality permeates a show and cheapens it. Revolutionary Love does not have this problem. At the start, writer/director Fulya Diner introduced the show as a passion project, a dream come true for her. The house lights went down and the stage lights came up, and I was introduced to Turkish poet and peaceful revolutionary Nazim Hikmet and his lover, Piraye Hanim, via a series of letters and poems penne... full review

Such a great work. Extremely impressive how the director was able to fabricate a coherent and compelling narrative about Hikmet's feelings and experiences in prison, entirely out of his poetry - and she did so without being overly sentimental. It manages to convey the value of perseverence and conviction to people even without any prior background on the subject. Especially impressive were the two actors, with Elif Savas as Piraye, displaying a wide arrange of talents (acting, dance, and playing violin) and Bryson Jones Allman, who displayed an astonishing range of emotion and make Hikmet come alive. Highly recommended. ... full review

I usually don't go to theatre much but now I'm still getting the feel of the scene, I thought I'd check this out to see what's up. I have never heard of Nazim Hikmet until I saw this show, "Revolutionary Love." It was very nice to see a show where I'm introduced to this poet and a bit of the culture that he was in. It was very moving and poetic. I'm really impressed with the director as far as adapting this show inspired by one of the letters from Nazim at the time. I also have to give it to the main stars of the show, Bryson Allman & Elif Savas, because their performances were fantastic and really carried this show along through emotions and music. I hope that this becomes a new start for introductions of other poets out there to share thei... full review

This play took me from the theater in LA all the way back to my home Turkey. Being grown up with Nazim's poems and singing the songs written with his words, I cannot express how intense an experience this play was for me. This time it was not only about hearing Nazim's words though, it was more, it was seeing Nazim (Bryson Allman) and feeling how he was really longing for his home and his love Piraye (Elif Savas). It felt like I have never been as close to Nazim before, for that I sincerely thank Fulya Diner, Elif Savas and Bryson Allman.... full review

The passion behind this piece is evident, not only by the actors, but by the director. This performance brings to life an epic sharing of history, love, and genius. You fall in love with the charm of Bryson Jones Allman as Nazim, and the history lesson. The subtle movements, pieces that accompany the stage, and the haunting musical arrangements bring you back in time. I really look forward to more work by Fulya Diner, and her genius vision. Thank you, brava!... full review

REVOLUTIONARY LOVE (Gold Medal) This celebration of the life and work of Turkish poet and social activist Nazim Hikmet (Ryson Allman) is structured as an operetta of poetry. Director Fulya Diner expressed this was a labor of love, and that truth is proven by the stunningly beautiful staging of the show. Elif Savas fulfills a trio of functions, as Hikmet’s wife, as his muse and as the country he so loved despite his imprisonment in it and eventual banishment from it. This is a visually breathtaking production, and even if it weren’t, Allman’s soaring portrayal of the poet Hikmet alone would be reason enough to see it. For more of my reviews of the Hollywood Fringe go to: The TVolution.com ... full review

I had the opportunity to watch this great play in which my friend Elif Savas who was acting as Piraye - Nazim Hikmet's lover. Since Nazim Hikmet is a very important figure for Turkey both as a poet and a rebellious thinker, I had good expectations from this play. I have to say that my expectations were satisfied with great acting, and nice storytelling. I would recommend to any theater play lover to watch...... full review

#ChanceItLA - The script of this show is taken entirely rom the written work of poet Nazim Hikmet, and those words are at times beautiful and stirring. However, as no context or back story is provided, I was unable to fully engage or sympathize with Hikmet. Before this production I had never head the name Nazim Hikmet and therefore had no idea what ideals he fought for of even the climate and turbulence of his home country that he was up against. this show succeeds in painting the plight of this man, but fails to establish why the audience should be concerned for his plight. If you're going to chance this one, do some research before going in.... full review

This was my first time seeing "Revolutionary Love," a play based on the life and literary work of the Turkish poet, Nazim Hikmet, who served 12 years in prison for expressing his views on life and politics in his beloved Turkey. He lived in isolation, yet carried on his views in poetry. I actually didn't know anything about Hikmet, until I had the opportunity to see this show. Bryson Allman--as Hikmet--put on a wonderful performance and I really fell in love with his words and the way he expressed those words, emotionally. The poetry was amazing. Elif Savas--as Piraye, Hikmet's wife--expressed such great emotion and beauty with her singing and violin during Hikmet's words. It was Hikmet's love for Piraye and the love of his country that kept... full review

The writing is very powerful ! I found myself transformed with the characters to the streets of beautiful Turkey. The directing by Fulya Diner succeed creating powerful scenes with smooth transitions . The acting by Bryson Allman had many emotionsl levels. He was able to project the poet voice in a clear and sweet/bitter way. This play demonstrates the true power of words and how they can change one person as well as the whole world. ... full review