Is This a Room is the astonishingly true story of Reality Winner, the 25-year-old former Air Force linguist who was surprised at her home by the FBI on June 3, 2017. The play’s text is taken from the FBI transcript of her interrogation – and from these pages, Tina Satter has wrought an extraordinary human drama between Reality (Emily Davis) and the agents who question her. In this theatrical thriller, Reality’s life is upended before our eyes, and we’re left questioning American values and the very nature of the truth.
The FBI transcript is choppy, repetitive, and dull. However, 'Is This A Room' (which was conceived and directed by Tina Satter) is primarily concerned with what is not said - theatricalizing the tension, uncertainty, and awkwardness of the interrogation experience through body language. The production also employs hazy lighting, sudden blackouts, overlapping voices, pauses, and a dissonant score and sound design.
It's a fascinating piece in every way, replete with fabulous central performances from both Emily Davis (who plays Winner) and Pete Simpson (who plays the lead FBI agent at the interrogation). You're left with a picture of a young woman of conscience who was hardly prepared for such heavy-handed government intervention (Becca Blackwell and Will Combs play the other two agents).
2019 | Off-Broadway |
Vineyard Theatre Off-Broadway World Premiere Off-Broadway |
2019 | Off-Broadway |
Vineyard Theatre Off-Broadway Return Engagement Off-Broadway |
2021 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
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