Review: MY EYES WENT DARK at 59E59 Theaters is Intriguing Drama

"What is it that we are actually feeling?"

-My Eyes Went Dark

My Eyes Went Dark, written and directed by Matthew Wilkinson, is now onstage at 59E59 Theaters. This emotional, thought-provoking drama is inspired by real-life events. Nominated for three Off West End Theatre Awards, the show depicts a horrific tragedy and the devastating effects it has on one man. The play is part of the annual Brits Off-Broadway festival that will be held at the 59E59 Theaters through July 2nd.

In the play, a plane crash takes the lives of 148 passengers. Nikolai Koslov, a Russian architect, loses his two young children and wife in the disaster. His anguish turns to anger as he blames the air traffic controller, Thomas Olson for the catastrophe. Although there is an investigation, Olson is acquitted of any wrongdoing and the accident is deemed a "mistake." Nikolai is driven mad with grief as he tends his family's gravesite and plans to avenge their deaths.

The two-hander features the extraordinary acting talents of Declan Conlon and Thusitha Jayasundera. Conlon's portrayal of Nikolai Koslov is an evocative, heartrending performance. Jayasundera plays multiple roles that fill out the entire story. Whether she is portraying the Marya Koslov, a psychiatrist, or a neighbor child, she swiftly and precisely assumes her roles.

The Production Team has brought My Eyes Went Dark to life with set and costume design by Bethany Wells; lighting design by Elliot Griggs; and sound design by Max Pappenheim. The AEA Stage Manager is Colin JB.

My Eyes Went Dark is a very timely piece of theater that examines a tragedy from a rarely seen perspective. It is an intriguing play that will surely captivate metro area audiences.

My Eyes Went Dark runs for 75 minutes with not intermission. It will be performed on a limited engagement through Sunday, July 2 at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street, between Park and Madison Avenues). The performance schedule is Tuesday - Thursday at 7:15 PM; Friday at 8:15 PM; Saturday at 2:15 PM & 8:15 PM; and Sunday at 3:15 PM. Tickets are $25 - $35 ($20 for 59E59 Members). To purchase tickets, call Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200 or visit www.59e59.org.

Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg

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