Playwriting / Performing Arts

It’s not every festival that the Festival Director exercises his prerogative to select a play to go through to the Gala Final…But this year the quality has been remarkable, and I was so impressed with this one that I used my Festival Director’s choice to put it through. Nancy Hopps’ haunting “End of the Rope,” directed by Ben Harris and featuring the lovely Amelia Forsyth-Smith, will be onstage again twice tomorrow. Don’t miss it!

“End of the Rope” is a startling, somewhat haunting portrayal of a woman’s journey in limbo. Endlessly intriguing, it pulls you into a different world, with the use of a simple rope as a beautiful and unforgettable symbol of emotional upheaval. Powerful and beautifully executed.

Our team just had a debrief meeting and were collectively moved to tears over the success of the day! Students were captivated by the [“We Are Neighbors”] stories and are eager to both reflect on their own lives and think of ways to help!…We cannot thank you enough! Please share our deepest gratitude with all of the actors and speakers who came!!

We LOVE “Mind Your Own Abyssness.” Ten minutes of terrific. Thanks again for your thought-provoking work.

I have received many Wows! Such a dynamic way that your [“We Are Neighbors”] troupe presents the humanity of immigration—very powerful and humbling. Keep up the good work! Amazing!

Engaging.  [“End of the Rope’] leaves you wondering how you felt so much so quickly.

The most mature play [of the festival] is “Mind Your Own Abyssness” by Nancy Hopps. Here, surrealistic metaphor becomes actual as a man grapples with powerful emotions. At one point he shouts at his fellow actor to, “Quit f**king with my internal landscape!” Take that Edward Albee.

This piece of existentialist theatre by playwright Nancy Hopps and directed by David Arnold is sure to inspire self-reflection on the part of the audience. “Mind Your Own Abyssness” is a unique play you will not want to miss!

Your efforts to increase compassion and understanding are so needed and so appreciated. This is my third time to see [“Now, I Am Your Neighbor/We Are Neighbors”] Thank you.

The performance of “We Are Neighbors” was really well received…Many students talked about how moving the performance was…several were moved to tears. We unanimously agreed as a [diversity] committee to host it again next year.

Outstanding! “End of the Rope” has its own atmosphere….Fascinating.

The play [“We Are Neighbors”] was powerful, the actors were genuine and effective…and the discussion was also good. It was a very powerful and important offering to the congregation and we are very, very grateful.

“End of the Rope” had me on the edge of my seat…Incredible…Certainly a must see.