BROTHER’S KEEPER CRITICAL ACCLAIM
“This is a powerful drama, movingly portrayed by Wallace Norman. It is totally absorbing from the start as we move between the character’s present and past experiences. Moments of humour make the grim reality of the sexual abuse suffered by two young boys even more harrowing, but the ending shows the potential for victims to escape the legacy of their trauma and find happiness in new relationships.”
AUDIENCE REVIEWS
“I saw this exceptional show on Saturday 20 August. It is an extraordinary piece of writing, performed with total truthfulness. I would strongly recommend the piece and the other two shows by the Woodstock Fringe Group”
“Brothers’s Keeper is intense and mesmerizing! I was surprised at the ending. Really masterful acting and writing. A must see. 4 stars. ”
“A brilliant one man show, with Wallace Norman playing all the characters in this story of friendship, betrayal, love, and sexual abuse. The play moves backwards and forewords in time, revealing the deeply disturbing impact of one pedophile priest’s behavior with two young boys. Norman’ s performance is riveting.”
“This is a seriously brilliant performance, one of the best I have seen in many years! If you love great theatre truly well told, this is a must for you.”
“This is an exceptional piece of work. The writing, direction, lighting and acting come together in a way that slowly, gently, and quietly, focuses the attention of the audience on a story that not only needs to be told, but should be heard. An hour or so in the company of this company makes coming to Fringe feel completely worthwhile!”
“It was intense. No scenography, no costumes, just a small bench and an amazing actor who tells with tact and bravery an atrocious tale.
It is easy to understand for non-native English speakers.
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“So pleased to see that @WoodstockFringe has got such a fantastic review in The Scotsman. Having done #edfringe since ‘98 this monologue is easily one of the strongest deliveries I’ve witnessed in Edinburgh and I’ve seen a LOT of shows over 20 odd years.
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“Wallace Norman’s performance drew me in from the very beginning: a man is being questioned by police because he’s on the side of an off-ramp of a highway, having just heard of the suicide of his best friend from childhood. Norman takes us on a journey that is disturbing and traumatic, yet he finds moments of humor and human pathos throughout. He is a top-notch actor, with an extraordinary vocal range, which he uses to embody many different characters. This is a “bravo” performance.
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“Just loved this show. Moving, disturbing and mighty fine story telling. It is a privilege to share an acting space with this company. ”
“Absolutely brilliant solo show”
“Riveting solo performance, harrowing subject matter treated honestly and uncompromisingly, holding back from very little and with (perhaps necessary) hope at the end. Easy to follow, with simple ‘signposts’ as to when and where we are for each scene and greatly varied, always convincing vocal characterisations.”
“Excellent acting, a must see and experience ”
“Truly a gem so beautifully crafted and acted in all detail from the sound design to the simplicity of a set made solely by a stool.
Wallace Norman’s performance is so true that this amazing piece of craft makes an intimate experience between audience and actor that is both heart breaking and uplifting, a full appreciation of the stories we all carry but rarely speak
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“Brothers Keeper swept me in right away. All the characters, played by one fantastic actor, are fascinating, gripping. The climactic scene
is spine-tingling, unforgettable. By the final scene I was on the edge of my seat as William finds his way out of the dark, into the “sun.” A powerful play, and brilliant tour-de-force of acting.
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“Went to see Brother’s Keeper today and wanted to commend Wallace on a brave and touching performance of his life story. It’s amazing what can be achieved with basically an empty stage and one passionate performer sharing his life story with a riveted audience. Bravo.”
“Definitely see this one. A frank and disturbing look at the life of a boy abused by a priest. Norman’s multiple characterizations flow with ease. This one will keep you enthralled.
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“This is a beautifully crafted and courageous work. Wallace takes us through a moving history of a foundational relationship with a dear friend and doesn’t shy away from the complications that ensue. This is theatre at its best.
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“Wallace Norman gives a bravura performance in “Brother’s Keeper” which couldn’t be more timely, or more deeply affecting — and disturbing. In fact, it’s harrowing. See it at your own peril. But miss it at an even greater peril.
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“Yes! See this play! It is brilliant and thought provoking.”
