What I liked
I honestly liked everything about In The Valley Of The Shadows. It was filled with such amazingly nuanced performances. The writer created characters that are passionate and relate-able and human. This piece moved me. To tell a story about a tragic event without the good vs. evil theme but instead see the point of view from all involved and show how we are all connected was most impactful to me. Loved the minimalist set and how the director and actors effortlessly took us from The Pulse to the police station. The sound, which I loved, was major in creating the atmosphere for me. The story was the focus and I felt for every human being on that stage. It felt like a great collaboration of writer/director/actor/tech to me. Which is what I think makes theatre so great when that happens.
What I didn't like
Small thing (personal) The title didn’t grab me. I kept forgetting it when I was telling people about it. I wish there was a discussion with the writer/director/actors. It is the kind of work the would benefit from that. I hope you all get funding to take this piece on the road to promote tolerance and understanding.
My overall impression
The intimate space was perfect for this drama. I honestly cannot say enough. This work is great for teens to senior citizens. Only 1 hour so it holds your attention. We need artists telling stories in this way with our current climate of intolerance right now. I did not know what to expect and left pleasantly surprised by the talent overall and the story itself. I called friends right after the performance and will be encouraging others on FB and twitter to attend. It’s a beautifully told work and I think everyone should see it.
