The Beastly Thing

The Beastly Thing is as difficult to watch as it is absolutely necessary to see. In this short yet extremely capacious performance, the protagonist (played by Zakiah Shana Dumansky) explores the endemic and pernicious presence of self-loathing and shame in our lives.

Although it was heartbreaking to watch Zakiah's character struggle with an eating disorder and body image issues, the show emphasized the universality of the struggle and the importance of finding support networks and opening up to others. Lois Warwick was absolutely incredible as the titular monster—her movements were fantastically expressive and fluid, often appropriately chilling.

While (due to the sheer emotional weight of it) I don't know whether I could see this show again, I think that it's an incredibly important work. I strongly recommend it to one and all, particularly to young women who are just beginning their self-image gauntlet.

I loved this performance but it broke my heart for the challenges and hatred experienced by young women by society about their bodies and not feeling enough. Remarkable writing, acting, movement and tech support. I hope they bring this show to other Fringes or make it a short film. Powerful message on vulnerability and loneliness. Great job by all involved.

A moving well written play which is startling in its depiction of woman supporting and empowering each other. A short sharp moving piece of our need for each other. Well done.

Absolutely amazing show! The performers did a phenomenal job and made me tear up. The lighting was expertly done - absolutely STUNNING job that elevated the whole performance. I was obsessed with the horror elements which were incredibly well incorporated. Great show!

I was so moved with this performance that I saw it twice. Thought provoking and engaging. The shadow acting is superb 👍🏼

Just caught the matinee of The Beastly Thing. It moved me to tears. The performances were stellar. The actress playing May gave a nuanced professional level performance. All of the performances were flawless, in my opinion, and the direction was clean, direct and inspired. She honored the script and her capable actors, with no unnecessary embellishment. (I loved the doorbell). The shadow theme was heart felt, raw, brave and beautiful. In this script the shadow is not only hinted at but faced with bravery. Something we all need to do as a culture.  As an actor myself and a retired psychotherapist with a Jungian world view, I left this performance deeply gratified. There was just one problem. I was one of three people in the audience! You would have never known this troop was playing to an audience of three, such grace!

The Beastly Thing

Teresa Waterland M. Ed.

This is the one to see folks! Don't miss it. Superb acting, excellent writing, terrific staging. This moving piece brought some in the audience to tears! So well done!!!