Us/Them ” reviewed by Frank Meccia

recommended ***

Most people who have read my reviews in the past, know that I have a hard time with nonmusical theatre, to keep my attention it must be good from the start. Chicago Shakes Theatre presents Big in Belgium-Chicago, a series of three acclaimed theatrical events that represents the next wave in theatre called “Boundary -Pushing Theatre”, it’s a way of engaging free will politics and a chilling look of terror in the eyes of children. Carly Wijs who wrote and directed this play presents a tragedy called the Children of Beslan.  Most of us should remember back in September 2004 a School in Beslan Russia was sieged by 34 terrorists, the school contained 777 children and over 423 adults and for 3 days they were kept hostage in the school gym that was booby-trapped with bombs. In the end 334 people plus 36 terrorists died,

With a very simple set, mostly a black board and a chalk floor these two actor’s portrait the young children that were in the school and tell the story of the ordeal, with the use of dance, gymnastics, music and voice. For 60 minutes these two actors from Belgium, Gytha Parmentier and Roman Van Hautven can hold your thought and mind as they tell this chilling story with a sense of humor that a young child can display.

The upstairs theatre at Chicago Shakespeare is very intimate so is perfect for this story. Considering the entire production is straight from Belgium it’s a true representation of European Theatre.

US / THEM is playing till February 3^rd.  with performances as follows:

Price: $38-$56

Show Type: Drama

Box Office: 312-595-5600

Running Time: 1hr

www.chicagoshakes.com

Discount parking is available in the garage ( bring your ticket for validation)

to see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Us/Them”.