Graham Jenkins and Kirby Brown in Brikenbrak’s “Bash” Neil LaBute’s Bash features some rather messed up folks. (Alert: semi-spoilers ahead.) There’s a guy who, in a cold, businesslike way, suffocates his newborn after learning he’s set to lose his job; a college-age guy who brutally attacks — and kills — a gay man in Central… Read More Brikenbrak’s ‘Bash’ tells ugly, yet necessary, stories in a bold way

Makeshift picnic: Claire Kander and Michael Plummer bond over some “wine.” Neglect. Abuse. Power. Codependency. Victimization. Guilt. The longing for forgiveness. The urge to take care of damaged goods. Redemption. These core themes seem engrained in Jeremy Menekseoglu’s plays. I say this after having seen one other work of his, The Samaritan Syndrome, a few… Read More Brikenbrak’s ‘Alligator’ chomps into some dark themes

Last night I hopped on the Blue Line to that nebulous land called “Bucktown” to catch a newbie theatre company’s inaugural production at the Gorilla Tango. Brikenbrak Theatre Project, founded by Paul Cosca, seeks to “engage your brain in a vital and visceral way.” At least, that’s what the program says. A noble concept, but,… Read More Brikenbrak Theatre Project’s ‘The Samaritan Syndrome’ offers intriguing post-show discussion