No exit presented by Quintessence Theatre is a must-see drama filled with dialogue that is filled with resilience and torture at the same time. This 1944 classic by Jena-Paul Sartre was well performed and brought together what it means to need validation and how that validation can be a demise. No exit has been extended but will end on November 5th. See it before it ends.
Before you go to Quintessence Theatre
Make sure you arrive before the curtain call. It is important to be seated for the production. It lasts about 90 minutes without an intermission. The highs and lows of the production is required to be felt before the beginning. So, if you are seeking to get concessions do so before the show. In addition, I highly recommend this production for ages sixteen and up. The themes that are being discussed are far too young for a younger crowd. Also be sure to pay attention to the dialogue as the dialogue is important to grab the meaning. Quintessence has parking in front of the theatre and across the street from it. The parking is on a first come basis. Parking on the street is free on Sundays.
Quintessence Theatre Production of No Exit
I loved the production. Just like with Major Barbara it allowed the stage to be in the center. This gave both sides of the theatre the ability to be within the conversation. It was as if we were eavesdropping on a conversation, we weren’t supposed to be privy to. We see the entanglement that is taking place. This was long before Jada Pinkett-Smith made entanglement a thing. The dynamics of watching these amazing actors seek validation from themselves and within each other was hard to watch at points. Not because it was overly but because seeing adults need this much of validation was over the top but purposeful.
Validation or Torture
Now for me just like with any piece of art I drew the torture being shown to demonstrate how dangerous validation can be. Think about the times we are in. We have social media and people are doing anything and everything for likes and watches. Often in my opinion the strong need to be seen, wanted, and needed. While watching I kept asking myself how this could be modernized this helped me to get into the premise of the production.
The Dynamic of Acting
After seeing Major Barbara these actors really have my upmost respect. The depth that they brought to the stage was hands down amazing. For instance, I really enjoyed Melody Ladd who played Inez a lesbian who is used as the catalyst between Estelle (played by Anessa Neibaur) and Garcin (played by J. Hernandez). The looking back into the past has such dire consequences and will lock us into our torture. Thing about the times you have or know someone who can’t simply get past or over past mistakes. I had to keep thinking about again modern times. There are people stuck in the past and all they talk and think about is what once was.
Hell on Earth?
What is hell? We think about hell being something that we will go to for unfit actions that we don’t correct here on earth. However, many are living a keen sense of hell here on earth. We allow other people to determine the highest of highs that we can achieve. This is a personal torture that I try to make sure I never live. Being held down by the opinions and high-fives of others will leave you feeling depleted in every way.
Quintessence Theatre is bringing productions that bring about self-reflection. I love that. When you can leave and have a conversation about not only what you saw but how it made you feel is always the goal for productions and art. Excellent job to everyone involved on this production.
Thank you to Quintessence Theatre for having me at both No Exit and Major Barbara. Make sure you get your tickets now. Thank you again to Perpetual Motion PR or having me.
