THE CONDUCT OF LIFE

Oh for F&*('s sake. This production wormed its way under my skin, smacked my viscera around and left me gobsmacked. Completely committed, raw performances, stark, searing direction, dark humor. I don't know if I enjoyed it, but damn if it ain't a reminder of how powerful theater can be. ... full review

Much like Friends Like These, The Conduct of Life shows the progression from victim to perpetrator. It depicts that a victim who is pushed too far can all too easily turn violent. As such, the play contains explicit depictions of rape and violence and is NOT suitable for children. See the rest of the review at Examiner.com. ... full review

Originally posted in Bitter Lemons: "Fringe Femmes" | “Conduct of Life” by Maria Irene Fornes | “There’s something malignant in the world.” Oh, yeah, there is. In Maria Irene Fornes’ award-winning 1985 Conduct of Life, mounted in a stunning Hollywood Fringe revival by The Vagrancy, it’s not just the terrifying, animalistic soldier Orlando (Robert Homer Mollohan) – although he’s the one who, ironically, makes the statement. It’s also the frightened, prey-like characters who surround him and are complicit in his ongoing brutality, made worse under the cover of normalcy. Director Sabina Ptasznik doesn’t miss a nuance or opportunity for an explosion in this powerful production; she and her five superb actors mine the rich material for ... full review

Conduct of Life was visceral, immediate, raw, and compelling. I won't spoil the ending, but I will say that it was the perfect climax to a delightfully harrowing journey ;)... full review

If you have the chance, you must catch this show! I'm still spinning from last night's incendiary performance. It's not a show for everyone and it also should include a TRIGGER WARNING for graphic violence/sexual violence. The Vagrancy once again delivers raw, abrasive, relevant theatre, this time with a terrifying, beautiful production of a rarely done, and very important play, 'The Conduct of Life' by Maria Irene Fornes. Sabina Ptasznik's bold choice of material and right-on direction make for an unforgettable night of theatre. Ptasznik obviously understands this play on a very deep, visceral level, as well as on an intellectual level, and I felt that this production assaults the audience on both levels - which seems like ... full review

Woof. Animalistic. Raw. Stellar performances. Not for the faint of mind, heart, or stomach.... full review

Director Sabina Ptasznik's deft production of The Conduct of Life starts out with a breathtaking punch and barrels on through till its heart skipping end. I loved every minute of this hard to watch piece. Fornes' script is pointed, violent, and fierce, while still slowing down enough to highlight both the mundane and the sweetly tender moments of life. The performances are excellent. What a solid cast all around! Mollohan's Orlando is a raging beast that still strangely manages to draw sympathy - such a product of his lost world is he. Karina Wolfe as Leticia is a delight to watch: paradoxically both fragile and strong as a privileged and emotionally abused wife who loves too much, but in the end finds the resolve to overcome. Belind... full review

The performances in this piece are the epitome of brave, vulnerable, and raw. The actors committed 110% to this dark, haunting journey. It touches on so many terrifying parts of human nature. Watching this play made me think of this quote: "He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it." Martin Luther King, Jr. So much wrong is happening all around and yet the characters never really stand up against it. They make multiple attempts, but eventually fall silent to the horror that permeates the home they are all occupying. The audience is left feeling horrified and wondering how all of this can be happening whi... full review

This production has clearly cast the right actors for the piece. I was impressed with the fact that they were all so committed to their roles, especially considering the brutal nature of the material. This play is visceral and bold, it's not for the weak of heart.... full review