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Hear what the critics had to say about "Jezebel the Justified" in NYC.
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NewYorkTheatre.com
"Playwright and director Jonathon Morgan is clearly a passionate artist"
"In his 50-minute piece, Morgan manages to touch ondomestic abuse, abortion, lesbianism, rape, murder,and the perils of organized religion."
"...A wonderful character named Julie created by actress Natasha Gant..."
"Gant...shows depth andmaturity as an actress, seamlessly transformingherself from a timid young wife to a woman questioningGod and striking out at her abusive husband."
reviewed by Joel Treick
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Wayside Studio
Jezebel-The Justified, a production of Radical. Evil.Drama. Red Theatre Prodiction is part of the FringeNYCFestival this year and it's a dramatically performedone-woman show all about the liberation of woman.
The woman, Julie Thompson, played by Natasha Gant, is a very confused and abused Christian who is forced byher abusive husband and her blind faith to make achoice that will change her life forever and make her world, which she perceives as an immoral, one turn from darkness and wake once again into light. It is this struggle that Jonathon Morgan, the play's writer anddirector allows the audience to witness. Julie is torn by her roles as traditional wife and obedient followerof God's way. Forced into relinquishing her doubts andfeelings to a room full of strangers that aresupposedly a Christian church group, Julie expelsherself to a non-responsive and uncaring audience.
Seeking further to be consoled, she finds refuge in afree spirit, Susan, a well talked about friend. Itis Susan that gives contrast to her abusive lifewith her husband and a glimpse into the freedom ofbeing a liberated soul. What price does Julie have topay for this fulfillment? It is between her and herGod that she decides her way to happiness.
A darksoundtrack dominates the space between scenes and makes pungent the horrors of the darkness and shadowsthat are cast behind the walls of Julie's stringentfacade. Eventually, the music almost takes over theperformance as those walls crumble around her and anew voice is finally heard over the sprawl.
T. Graham Westerlund
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Backstage.com
Jezebel the Justified Reviewed By Elias Stimac
Domestic abuse is explored and exposed in this visceral production from Liverpool, England. Writer-director Jonathon Morgan has written a haunting, harrowing solo show that explicitly examines one victim's steady descent and ultimate triumph over her despicable circumstances.
"Jezebel the Justified" is the story of a mild-mannered woman who must keep up appearances of a happy marriage at social gatherings while being beaten at home by her violent husband. Her will to live is shown deteriorating in a nightmarish cycle of unwarranted beatings, guarded church confessions, and brave-faced speeches in front of the church community. One night, however, her spouse goes too far, prompting her to defend herself and bring her suffering to an end.
Actress Natasha Gant is exceptional in this extremely challenging role. Clad in a long gray shift and an ill-fitting white sweater, the performer portrays the frightened wife, sympathetic penitent, and cheery but conflicted public speaker with complete commitment and grace. Grant's physical prowess while being kicked and punched by an unseen attacker is not only convincing but gut-wrenching as well.
Playwright Morgan has delved into this difficult theme and shown the ravaging effect that abuse can have on a goodhearted, God-fearing person. His writing and staging, while repetitive at times, takes its toll on viewers and puts them in the shoes of the helpless victim. Morgan also comments on same-sex relationships, at first denouncing and then justifying them by making a sensitive statement for lesbianism. The pounding, unrelenting soundtrack by edjog adds an aural jolt to the transitions, further keeping audiences on edge throughout the hour-long show.
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