PHALLACY

“… not only interesting but fully captivating. The play is similar in tone to plays such as Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia or Carey Perloff’s Luminescence Dating. In Mr. Djerassi’s capable hands, the conflict between science and art and truth and beauty has rarely been this engaging. Or, indeed, funny…. If you enjoy witty academic banter, philosophy or great art, this is the show for you.”

Duncan Pflaster in www.broadwayworld.com (New York, May 19, 2007)

“… a smart black comedy… a search for truth as well as the delving into what makes up a person’s passion.”

Lisa Ferber in www.nytheatre.com (New York, May 16, 2007)

“Mr. Djerassi has the ingredients for some funny stuff here, and when he seizes the opportunity the jokes land.”

Neil Genzlinger in New York Times (May 25, 2007).

“multiple strains of scholarship and streams of Shavian banter… impressive writing and lively performances”

James Hannaham in The Village Voice (New York, May 29, 2007)

“… a portrait of the confrontational relationship between two experts, with their banter, some of it quite funny, defining the issues... amusing and edifying to watch them in action.”

William Wolf in Wolf Entertainment Guide (New York, May 2007)

“As an expose of bias on both sides of the divide, Djerassi’s play is itself wonderfully unbiased. Psychosexual as well as comic relief… a fine theatre experience.”

Rick Mullin in Chem. & Eng. News (June 4, 2007)

“A comedy of academic manners… keeps the proceedings lively, never allowing intellectuality to stand in the way of a good joke. There’s even a touch of animate-inanimate eroticism.”

The New Yorker (June 4, 2007)

“…intriguing and thought-provoking stuff, and very well acted”

Julia Hickman in Theatreworld Internet Magazine (London, April 16, 2005)

“… a satirical black comedy about academic infighting… a happily satisfying mix of broad humour and thought-provoking comment.”

Gerald Berkowitz in Theatreguide London (April 17, 2005)

“Phallacy is knowingly clever, it requires your concentration, but it manages to be playful as well…. A mixture of farce and thriller…beautiful set…fluid production”

Heather Neill in Whatsonstage.com (London, April 18, 2005)

“Science and arts in stylish conflict… strongly played characters in an entertaining and jocular relationship… witty and light-hearted… anybody who fears intellectual overkill can rest at ease. Like Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia, Phallacy is cleverly staged…”

Rachel Calton in Camden New Journal (London, April 21, 2005)

“What is the true value of art? In Carl Djerassi’s play, Viennese art historian Regina Leitner-Opfermann says “art is never necessary, simply indispensable”… but the true fascination of this piece is the battle that rages on between Rex and Regina—played with gusto by Karen Archer and Jack Klaff.”

Aline Waites in Ham & High (London, April 22, 2005)

“Beyond the clash between scientific and artistic approaches to art, what holds the interest in Andy Jordan’s slick and expensive-looking production are the fascinating methods deployed by experts in attributing a work of art’s origin. On this, Djerassi knows his stuff, giving the sense that both we and the play are in the hands of a capable playwright and an expert scientist.”

John Nathan in The JC Jewish Chronicle (London, April 22, 2005

“One of the classic problems of story-telling is how to get across essential information to the audience, and both the science and the art historical information in the play is clearly transmitted and convincing. And a period storyline… serves to humanize the ultimate goals behind both academic disciplines in question, and to put their grandiose debate into perspective. They also bolster director Andy Jordan’s intriguing staging before the opening lines, when modern and historical characters swirl through the set in an oddly touching, timeless parade of museum-goers. …fun, non-strenuous satire.”

Jennifer Rohn in LabLit.com (London, April 23, 2005)

“A debate on what makes art original and whether science or art can best capture human reality… It’s all high-concept stuff, and there are plenty of thoughtful juxtapositions along the way.”

Helen Chappell in What’s On (London, April 26, 2005)

“This is an unusual, light and enjoyable play, recommended especially… Michael Taylor’s set would do a West End production proud… one of the most attractive and realistic set seen for a long time.”

Lastminute.com (London, April 27, 2005)

"Phallacy is an intriguing play, well acted, fast moving and embracing a host of questions and human situations that are rarely touched upon in modern theatre… an appealing and thought-provoking new production."

Robin Clark in Nature (April 28, 2005)

“Phallacy is the latest of eminent chemist Djerassi’s ‘science-in-theatre’ plays. Suggested by a true story, the piece is packed with fascinating scientific and art historical facts, but is at its best dramatically when it concentrates on academic satire.”

Robert Shore in Time Out London (May 4, 2005)

“Part detective story, part satire of academic infighting, the play rolls along enjoyably under Andy Jordan’s fluid direction, comfortably mixing broad comedy with thought-provoking debate.”

Gerald Berkowitz in The Stage (London, May 5, 2005).

“Phallacy is fast and funny, and captures well the bull-headedness of old-style museum curators… Djerassi makes a fun and furious play of it.”

Josie Appleton in Culture Wars—Institute of Ideas (London, May 18, 2005)

“This is gripping, intelligent theatre…”

Lionel Milgrom in ChemistryWorld (London, June 2005)

“Djerassi manages to make complex scientific, art historical and philosophical ideas accessible, even entertaining, and Andy Jordan’s lively, slick production brings out the best in the play.”

Melanie Branton in TheatreWorld (London, June 2005)

“… an elegantly crafted drama about the conflicts of art and science... bracingly acted”

Mark Shenton in Sunday Express (London, June 5, 2005)