More Theater Monday - We Live in Cairo & The Light and the Dark (The life and times of Artemisia Gentileschi)

We received complimentary tickets to We Live in Cairo for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own. 

What: We Live in Cairo 

Where: NYTW

             79 E. 4th St.

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 12 and Up 

When: Through November 27, 2024

We Live in Cairo is the story of six student activists living in Egypt during the Arab Spring and protesting against an unfair regime through art, music, protests, and more. The most touching aspect of the show is the bond between the students. Some of them are actual family but all of them become like family albeit a family that squabbles a lot among themselves. 

While the story is mostly sad, there are bursts of joy and optimism. Some aspects of the show are reminiscent of the Black Lives Matter protests and the death of George Floyd which led to them as well as similar deaths that occurred before or since. Some may find this triggering. 

The score blends several types of music including punk, Middle Eastern music, and folk  If you don't enjoy these types of music, this show isn't going to change your mind about them. Plus, none of the songs are particularly memorable.

If you are interested in learning about the Arab Spring or you like the idea of a musical about students joining together to fight for what they believe in you may enjoy this show. If you are triggered by shows dealing with heavy subject matter that includes violence and death you may not.

And that's our view. For more about We Live in Cairo or to purchase tickets, visit www.nytw.org/show/we-live-in-cairo

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We received complimentary tickets to The Light and the Dark (the life and times of Artemisia Gentileschi) for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: The Light and the Dark  (The life and times of Artemisia Gentileschi)

Where: 59E59 Theatres

             59 E. 59 St.

             New York. NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 16 and Up

When: Through December 15, 2024

The Light and the Dark (the life and times of Artemisia Gentileschi)  presented by Primary Stages is the true story of an Italian Renaissance painter. She was a woman who was very ahead of her time and very of her time. Even in a period when there were few women artists, she was able to pursue her art, but she was also the victim of sexual assault by another artist and married off to a man she didn't know among other things. She was held back by and under the control of the men in her life. 

Despite its setting in the 17th century. This show is scarily timely. Although it may appear as though we have come a long way from when women were treated in this way, some would have us back there in an instant, and the way things are heading it seems like anything is frighteningly possible.  Thus, this is an excellent time for us to be reminded of someone like Artemisia Getileschi who was able to overcome so much. 

Kate Hamill is the playwright and star of the piece. She excels at both and does a wonderful job presenting Artemisia's story. Her writing and performance are both equally heartbreaking and inspiring. The character's last speech of the play brings together the two perfectly and is particularly stirring. 

Joey Parsons is also excellent in several roles. Her character, Maria, an artist's model, also has a very moving speech, one that, in fact, inspires Artemisia. There are also several men in this play. Although the actors do a good job with their roles none of the male characters are likable. This is clearly a show about the women, and the only admirable character aside from Artemisia and Maria is a young boy named Matteo. There are also a few other women characters in the show, but they are no better than the men. 

The play is extremely unsuitable for children due to nudity and depictions of sexual assault among other things. In fact, it is a difficult show for anyone to watch and may be triggering to some people. However, if you can bear it is an important play. If Artemisia can rise above everything she suffered in life and thrive, we can and must too. We have no other choice. 

And that's our view. For more about The Light and the Dark (The life and times of Artemisia Gentileschi) or to purchase tickets, visit www.primarystages.org/the-light-and-the-dark.

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits:

All We Live in Cairo production photos by Joan Marcus

All The Light and the Dark (The life and times of Artemisia Gentileschi) by James Leynse

Images used in this post have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission. If there is a problem with the rights to any image,  contact us here, and we will look into the matter.