Production History:
Notable Productions:
March 2nd 2005 * The Public Theater *Directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman
Co-Produced by: NYC’S LAByrinth Theater Company and the Public Theater (NYC)
Ben Brantley of the New York Times noted in his review of the inaugural production that Guirgis’ characters usually “pulse with personalities all their own.” yet in TLDOJI, Brantley argues the plot is cluttered with so much philosophical debate combined with characters that are instead “all ultimately making the same point” which left Brantley mainly satisfied with the Devil character-portrayed by Eric Bogosian.
February 2012*Krannert Center for the Performing Arts* Directed by Lisa Gaye Dixon
In affiliation with the University of Illinois Department of Theatre
Tracy Nectoux of Champaign-Urbana’s Online Magazine Smile Politely discussed in detail about the design choices as well as the stellar acting performances from the BFA and MFA Acting students in the cast. Similar to what Brantley argues, Nectoux believes the text itself is flawed it terms of plot consistency. Plus, the set for this production had an array of books scattered across the ground which adds to Nectoux’s idea: “Nothing is sacred: beloved saints; beatified nuns; our own beliefs, values, and sensibilities.”
April 2014*Carolina Actors Studio Theatre*Directed by Heather Byrd
Perry Tannenbaum of Creative Loafing Charlotte points out the difficult acting choices and the portions of the production where some of the double casting failed to do the story justice. Some of the monologues also came off as anti-climactic, including the pivotal monologue from Jesus of Nazareth towards the end of the play. All in all, the textual complications along with the casting seemed to be the deciding factor for this poorly received version of TLDOJI.
May 2014*Forum Theatre*Directed by John Vreeke
Nelson Pressly of the Washington Post had only high praises for this remount at the Round House Silver Spring theater. The revisiting of this piece seemed to pay off as Pressly notes how well the majority of the actors who have returned, skilfully approached these characters once more. Pressly also argues that although the play may come off as very connected to bible references, the dialogue is still effective through Guirgis’ writing style. The fluidity of this production is made clear through the open, freeing usage of space combined with the seasoned actors this time around.
March 2nd 2005 * The Public Theater *Directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman
Co-Produced by: NYC’S LAByrinth Theater Company and the Public Theater (NYC)
Ben Brantley of the New York Times noted in his review of the inaugural production that Guirgis’ characters usually “pulse with personalities all their own.” yet in TLDOJI, Brantley argues the plot is cluttered with so much philosophical debate combined with characters that are instead “all ultimately making the same point” which left Brantley mainly satisfied with the Devil character-portrayed by Eric Bogosian.
February 2012*Krannert Center for the Performing Arts* Directed by Lisa Gaye Dixon
In affiliation with the University of Illinois Department of Theatre
Tracy Nectoux of Champaign-Urbana’s Online Magazine Smile Politely discussed in detail about the design choices as well as the stellar acting performances from the BFA and MFA Acting students in the cast. Similar to what Brantley argues, Nectoux believes the text itself is flawed it terms of plot consistency. Plus, the set for this production had an array of books scattered across the ground which adds to Nectoux’s idea: “Nothing is sacred: beloved saints; beatified nuns; our own beliefs, values, and sensibilities.”
April 2014*Carolina Actors Studio Theatre*Directed by Heather Byrd
Perry Tannenbaum of Creative Loafing Charlotte points out the difficult acting choices and the portions of the production where some of the double casting failed to do the story justice. Some of the monologues also came off as anti-climactic, including the pivotal monologue from Jesus of Nazareth towards the end of the play. All in all, the textual complications along with the casting seemed to be the deciding factor for this poorly received version of TLDOJI.
May 2014*Forum Theatre*Directed by John Vreeke
Nelson Pressly of the Washington Post had only high praises for this remount at the Round House Silver Spring theater. The revisiting of this piece seemed to pay off as Pressly notes how well the majority of the actors who have returned, skilfully approached these characters once more. Pressly also argues that although the play may come off as very connected to bible references, the dialogue is still effective through Guirgis’ writing style. The fluidity of this production is made clear through the open, freeing usage of space combined with the seasoned actors this time around.