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Defiant

Presented by Debutantes & Vagabonds at Austin Playhouse

February 25-March 13, 2011

Avg. Event Rating (4.4 Stars):
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Debutantes & Vagabonds, an Austin non-profit theater company, presents the regional premiere of Defiant written by George Brant and directed by Amanda Garfield.

A woman incurs the wrath of a grieving country when she refuses to memorialize her husband following his death in a national tragedy. Defiant explores the nature of grief, hate, and the need to forgive.

Starring: Dawn Erin, Craig Nigh, Emily Everidge, Jorge Sermini, Larry Oliver, Brittany Flurry, and Bobbie Oliver. Live music by Ashleigh Stone and design by Jennifer Singletary, Eric Gazzillo, and Brigette Hutchison.

Defiant will open on Friday, February 25th and run through Sunday, March 13th, 2011. Performances will be Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 5 PM.

Tickets are $15 for general admission and $12 for students and starving artists. Pay-What-You-Can Thursdays.

Debutantes & Vagbonds is a sponsored project of the Greater Austin Creative Alliance, a non-profit arts service organization, working to advance, connect and celebrate Austin's creative life. This project is funded and supported in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division.

• At-a-
  Glance

  • Venue Info

    Austin Playhouse

    3601 South Congress Avenue
    Austin, TX 78704

    Full map and directions

  • Admission Info

    Tickets:

    $15 General Admission and $12 for Students/Starving Artists
    
    
    Pay-What-You-Can Thursdays

    Info Phone: 512-474-8497

    Email

    Buy Tickets

    Check for Discount Ticket

  • Dates & Times

    Dates:
    February 25-March 13, 2011

    Times:
    

    Thursdays - Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 5PM

  • Accessibility Info

    

  • Video & Image Gallery

    Currently, additional images/videos have not been submitted for this event.

  • Member Reviews

    Add review/comment

    • Event Name: Defiant
      "Special Discounts!"
      Comment posted by: Amanda Garfield from Austin, TX, Mar 01, 2011
      

      The production is thrilled with the great reviews and we'd like to offer up some specials for our audiences. - Wednesday nights are Buy 1 Ticket, Get 1 Free! - Thursdays are Pay-What-You-Can! -... Expand

      The production is thrilled with the great reviews and we'd like to offer up some specials for our audiences. - Wednesday nights are Buy 1 Ticket, Get 1 Free! - Thursdays are Pay-What-You-Can! - Free cocktails provided at every performance by Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka (while supplies last)! Collapse

    • Event Name: Defiant
      "Exploring the Nature of Grief"
      Review posted by: Jay Y. from Austin, TX, Mar 01, 2011
      

      Defiant is an excellent play that takes a tough look at issues such as grief, revenge, blame, and forgiveness. It's about a woman named Ann who refuses to sign on to have her husband memorialized. Her... Expand

      Defiant is an excellent play that takes a tough look at issues such as grief, revenge, blame, and forgiveness. It's about a woman named Ann who refuses to sign on to have her husband memorialized. Her husband, we learned, was in a tower that collapsed, and if she does not sign on, then there can be no government-funded memorial, and the other families of the victims cannot receive checks. The marriage was evidently abusive, and Ann refuses in principle to make his name endure, despite the tremendous pressure she comes under. The rest of the cast periodically speak in unison, expounding on themes such as the need for justice in response to the tragedy, and the unacceptability of Ann not standing with them. What is the best response to tragedy? Is one obligated to forgive? Should there be unity at all costs? Defiant explores these issues with aplomb. Dawn Erin is fantastic in the role of Ann, and the ensemble comes together quite well under Amanda Garfield's direction. Not one to miss. Collapse

    • Event Name: Defiant
      "Beautifully written and wonderfully performed"
      Review posted by: Erin B. from Austin, Texas, Mar 01, 2011
      

      This play is thoughtful and probing. Just when you think your sympathy is going to be directed in one place, it makes you question your reactions. The dialogue is amazing and the cast do a great job... Expand

      This play is thoughtful and probing. Just when you think your sympathy is going to be directed in one place, it makes you question your reactions. The dialogue is amazing and the cast do a great job delivering and dealing with some tough issues. It is often painful to watch the struggle of the characters because the actors do such a great job compelling us to feel for their side. Dawn Erin, in the lead, is especially wonderful in a very tough role confronting the mob and our conforming mentality. Top notch production from top to bottom and I highly recommend it.. Collapse

    • Event Name: Defiant
      "Excellent all around"
      Review posted by: PhillyPuddy from Austin, TX, Mar 01, 2011
      

      So I settled in to watch a show, and didn't realize I was about to receive an experience instead. Excellent portrayal of the polarization of people on issues, where emotions and feelings have... Expand

      So I settled in to watch a show, and didn't realize I was about to receive an experience instead. Excellent portrayal of the polarization of people on issues, where emotions and feelings have become the new logic, displaying so many timely and interweaving themes that makes this production priceless. You will take this show with you long after the house lights go up. Excellent acting brought about by excellent direction, I highly recommend this! Collapse

    • Event Name: Defiant
      "Thought Provoking and Good!"
      Review posted by: Michael Mitchell from Austin, TX USA, Feb 28, 2011
      

      I thoroughly enjoyed Debutantes and Vagabonds' production of George Brant's new play, "Defiant." You may remember Brant as the UT playwright who wrote the highly praised "Elephant's Graveyard" a few... Expand

      I thoroughly enjoyed Debutantes and Vagabonds' production of George Brant's new play, "Defiant." You may remember Brant as the UT playwright who wrote the highly praised "Elephant's Graveyard" a few years back. "Defiant" is a very different topic, and a smaller, more intimate play than that, but once again Brant has the audience's allegiances torn as he presents a thought-provoking shade of grey to what many people consider black and white. D&V does a good job with a mostly tight production. At times the chorus feels a little jarring for the small space, but as the dilemma of the play unfolds, this feels germane. I saw it on opening night, and it felt like the chorus needed a night or two more to really come into its own. "Defiant" left me pondering whether the means to the "desired" end is really the right thing to do--even if it makes it better. A good show worth seeing! Collapse

    • Event Name: Defiant
      "A tight play with a stellar cast"
      Review posted by: Charles Crawford from Austin, TX, Feb 28, 2011
      

      As a big fan of George Brant, it’s great to see a local company actually premiering a brand new work by such a talented writer. The acting was solid through and through and I was amazed at how... Expand

      As a big fan of George Brant, it’s great to see a local company actually premiering a brand new work by such a talented writer. The acting was solid through and through and I was amazed at how well the set fit with both the script and the confines of the theatre. Dawn Erin is mesmerizing in the leading role, while Jorge Sermini brings a subtle style of comedy when it is needed most. While not an easy play (the themes are quite heavy), I would highly recommend this show to anyone interested in seeing what can happen when a highly energetic and deeply talented company get their hands on a hot new script. Collapse

    • Event Name: Defiant
      "Small theater - but a Big play"
      Review posted by: Wimberley from Wimberley, TX, Feb 28, 2011
      

      Don't let the small theater or young company fool you - 'Defiant' is a strong play that deals with some huge, national issues - such as the current definition of 'national hero' and how we decide who... Expand

      Don't let the small theater or young company fool you - 'Defiant' is a strong play that deals with some huge, national issues - such as the current definition of 'national hero' and how we decide who gets the honor. True to Brandt's writing style, the play's dialogue is strong. Also, the use of a chorus effectively allows 'comment of the masses' with only a few actors. Overall the talent was strong as well, particularly the work of Dawn Erin as the lead Ann Martin. (It's not easy to hold a position that runs counter to an audience's general sympathy and win their support.) Definitely worth the time and ticket! Collapse

• Media
  Gallery

  • All Media Gallery

    Currently, additional images/videos have not been submitted for this event.

• Member
  Reviews

  • Member Reviews

    Add review/comment

    • Event Name: Defiant
      "Special Discounts!"
      Comment posted by: Amanda Garfield from Austin, TX, Mar 01, 2011
      

      The production is thrilled with the great reviews and we'd like to offer up some specials for our audiences. - Wednesday nights are Buy 1 Ticket, Get 1 Free! - Thursdays are Pay-What-You-Can! -... Expand

      The production is thrilled with the great reviews and we'd like to offer up some specials for our audiences. - Wednesday nights are Buy 1 Ticket, Get 1 Free! - Thursdays are Pay-What-You-Can! - Free cocktails provided at every performance by Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka (while supplies last)! Collapse

    • Event Name: Defiant
      "Exploring the Nature of Grief"
      Review posted by: Jay Y. from Austin, TX, Mar 01, 2011
      

      Defiant is an excellent play that takes a tough look at issues such as grief, revenge, blame, and forgiveness. It's about a woman named Ann who refuses to sign on to have her husband memorialized. Her... Expand

      Defiant is an excellent play that takes a tough look at issues such as grief, revenge, blame, and forgiveness. It's about a woman named Ann who refuses to sign on to have her husband memorialized. Her husband, we learned, was in a tower that collapsed, and if she does not sign on, then there can be no government-funded memorial, and the other families of the victims cannot receive checks. The marriage was evidently abusive, and Ann refuses in principle to make his name endure, despite the tremendous pressure she comes under. The rest of the cast periodically speak in unison, expounding on themes such as the need for justice in response to the tragedy, and the unacceptability of Ann not standing with them. What is the best response to tragedy? Is one obligated to forgive? Should there be unity at all costs? Defiant explores these issues with aplomb. Dawn Erin is fantastic in the role of Ann, and the ensemble comes together quite well under Amanda Garfield's direction. Not one to miss. Collapse

    • Event Name: Defiant
      "Beautifully written and wonderfully performed"
      Review posted by: Erin B. from Austin, Texas, Mar 01, 2011
      

      This play is thoughtful and probing. Just when you think your sympathy is going to be directed in one place, it makes you question your reactions. The dialogue is amazing and the cast do a great job... Expand

      This play is thoughtful and probing. Just when you think your sympathy is going to be directed in one place, it makes you question your reactions. The dialogue is amazing and the cast do a great job delivering and dealing with some tough issues. It is often painful to watch the struggle of the characters because the actors do such a great job compelling us to feel for their side. Dawn Erin, in the lead, is especially wonderful in a very tough role confronting the mob and our conforming mentality. Top notch production from top to bottom and I highly recommend it.. Collapse

    • Event Name: Defiant
      "Excellent all around"
      Review posted by: PhillyPuddy from Austin, TX, Mar 01, 2011
      

      So I settled in to watch a show, and didn't realize I was about to receive an experience instead. Excellent portrayal of the polarization of people on issues, where emotions and feelings have... Expand

      So I settled in to watch a show, and didn't realize I was about to receive an experience instead. Excellent portrayal of the polarization of people on issues, where emotions and feelings have become the new logic, displaying so many timely and interweaving themes that makes this production priceless. You will take this show with you long after the house lights go up. Excellent acting brought about by excellent direction, I highly recommend this! Collapse

    • Event Name: Defiant
      "Thought Provoking and Good!"
      Review posted by: Michael Mitchell from Austin, TX USA, Feb 28, 2011
      

      I thoroughly enjoyed Debutantes and Vagabonds' production of George Brant's new play, "Defiant." You may remember Brant as the UT playwright who wrote the highly praised "Elephant's Graveyard" a few... Expand

      I thoroughly enjoyed Debutantes and Vagabonds' production of George Brant's new play, "Defiant." You may remember Brant as the UT playwright who wrote the highly praised "Elephant's Graveyard" a few years back. "Defiant" is a very different topic, and a smaller, more intimate play than that, but once again Brant has the audience's allegiances torn as he presents a thought-provoking shade of grey to what many people consider black and white. D&V does a good job with a mostly tight production. At times the chorus feels a little jarring for the small space, but as the dilemma of the play unfolds, this feels germane. I saw it on opening night, and it felt like the chorus needed a night or two more to really come into its own. "Defiant" left me pondering whether the means to the "desired" end is really the right thing to do--even if it makes it better. A good show worth seeing! Collapse

    • Event Name: Defiant
      "A tight play with a stellar cast"
      Review posted by: Charles Crawford from Austin, TX, Feb 28, 2011
      

      As a big fan of George Brant, it’s great to see a local company actually premiering a brand new work by such a talented writer. The acting was solid through and through and I was amazed at how... Expand

      As a big fan of George Brant, it’s great to see a local company actually premiering a brand new work by such a talented writer. The acting was solid through and through and I was amazed at how well the set fit with both the script and the confines of the theatre. Dawn Erin is mesmerizing in the leading role, while Jorge Sermini brings a subtle style of comedy when it is needed most. While not an easy play (the themes are quite heavy), I would highly recommend this show to anyone interested in seeing what can happen when a highly energetic and deeply talented company get their hands on a hot new script. Collapse

    • Event Name: Defiant
      "Small theater - but a Big play"
      Review posted by: Wimberley from Wimberley, TX, Feb 28, 2011
      

      Don't let the small theater or young company fool you - 'Defiant' is a strong play that deals with some huge, national issues - such as the current definition of 'national hero' and how we decide who... Expand

      Don't let the small theater or young company fool you - 'Defiant' is a strong play that deals with some huge, national issues - such as the current definition of 'national hero' and how we decide who gets the honor. True to Brandt's writing style, the play's dialogue is strong. Also, the use of a chorus effectively allows 'comment of the masses' with only a few actors. Overall the talent was strong as well, particularly the work of Dawn Erin as the lead Ann Martin. (It's not easy to hold a position that runs counter to an audience's general sympathy and win their support.) Definitely worth the time and ticket! Collapse

• Media
  Reviews

  • Media Reviews

    There are currently no media reviews for this event.