Gidion’s Knot at The Flea Theater

On the opening weekends of Circle Theater Festival at Tribeca's Flea Theater, Actors Suzanne Di Donna and Kirsten Russell gave a breathtaking performance of Johnna Adams' play Gidion's Knot. Both lifetime members of the renowned Actors Studio invited viewers into their process, peeling back the curtain on how they bring such emotionally charged material to life. Gidion's Knot will be back for four more weekends at the festival in October and November.

Di Donna and Russell each bring depth of focus and detail to their performance. Every pause feels deliberate, every emotional shift carefully calibrated as they explore the fraught dynamic between a mother and her child’s teacher in the aftermath of tragedy. To witness these seasoned performers engage in such intricate, layered work feels like seeing raw marble gradually sculpted into something deeply powerful and profound.

The setup of Circle makes it an immersive experience in itself, showcasing the painstaking work that makes great acting look effortless. The audience can feel the tension building with each scene, watching as Di Donna and Russell probe deeper into their characters' pain and confusion, revealing the complexity behind their words and silences.

For theater lovers, this is a rare and invaluable experience, offering insight into the craft that’s often hidden behind the polished final performance. The actors' commitment to truth and vulnerability is palpable, and Gidion’s Knot will be a production that lingers long after the final bow.