Reviews

This is Our Youth by Kenneth Lonergan

morrisimo's review

emotional funny lighthearted reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Did a cold read of this play with a scene partner and it was very fun. The dialogue is so natural and naturally funny, and the (gay????????) dynamic between the two main characters is really interesting. It's a very good play, and I liked playing Warren. Excited to try out Dennis (and Jessica). 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Drug use, Toxic friendship, Cursing, and Bullying

Moderate: Sexual content, Grief, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship

Minor: Antisemitism, Death, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Murder, Racial slurs, Sexism, and Suicidal thoughts

kyoungeun's review against another edition

2.0

Does capture the anxious and angsty voice of the barely-adult generation and the problems ppl in their early 20s or late teens would be dealing with, like the drug-induced stupor and toxic egoism to escape the existential dread and sadness of your life as you’re now able to face reality and parts of your relationship for what they are. But the play itself seems to embody a particular 80s aesthetic that I personally don’t see around me. I’d go for Sally Rooney or other writers to look at something more contemporary and relevant early-20s problems.

ishbelalice's review

funny reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

teaserena's review

dark funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual content and Drug use

Minor: Murder and Domestic abuse

kyoungeun's review

challenging dark sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Does capture the anxious and angsty voice of the barely-adult generation and the problems ppl in their early 20s or late teens would be dealing with, like the drug-induced stupor and toxic egoism to escape the existential dread and sadness of your life as you’re now able to face reality and parts of your relationship for what they are. But the play itself seems to embody a particular 80s aesthetic that I personally don’t see around me. I’d go for Sally Rooney or other writers to look at something more contemporary and relevant early-20s problems. 

ilariella's review

fast-paced

2.0

chickflix's review

3.0

Teenage stoners talking about life, love and drugs.

notoriousesr's review

dark funny reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

erickaonpaper's review

4.0

Actual rating: 4

I don't know if it's because of my newfound love for Lonergan's clean, simple, familial writing, or if it's because my lover Mark Ruffalo (who played Warren) was cast in the opening of this play. Either way, I think this is a lovely play, especially for younger audiences who are thinking of getting into playwriting or just reading plays in general. The dialogue was messy, as any young adult's would be, fun, wild, and very engaging. Could easily be put up by a female character, and two males, or vice versa. Whatever your heart's desires.

e_desimone2's review

dark sad fast-paced

• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0