2023 Audience Reviews

Company: Jackdonkey Productions
Show: Dock Work
Venue: Rarig Center Thrust

Jackdonkey has something to say. We should listen.

Jackdonkey understands the assignment: You have an hour to get on stage and present to an audience, many of whom are seeing several shows in a day, a piece that will stick with them and deliver a message. The direction here is the best kind: It is precise and confident, internalized by the performers and released by dance, synchronized movement, and potent choices of text covering layers of union struggle. The focus is beyond the docks here, as it should be. They are supported by a grunge band playing Nirvana earworms, brilliantly ensuring that when a lyric comes to you later, you are going to reflect on the plight of workers. The reach here is far, and it grips you. The volume of every element supports an angry message: You are a cog in the workers' machine. You can earn a little bread, but no roses. DEFTA. But this isn't a show by people giving up. Like the most important theatre being created today, it delivers a call to action. So, you're a worker and you're powerless because you think you're alone. What are you going to do about it?