Bulrusher presented by Congo Square Theatre at Beacon Street Hull House

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"... "Bulrusher," which is a few years old but not well known, really is a meditation on how we find out who we are and what that does to us. It certainly set me off pondering how long one can protect children from the ugliness of the world, and whether that serves them. And it reminds us that some small communities can inure their loved ones against so much. Mostly, this well-acted production just now needs to connect back to the world outside — we readily lean into the piece, but it has to meet us halfway."

Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended

"...I'm all for poetry and magic in the theater; they are essential ingredients of the art form. But when both the language and the mysticism are so mannered and self-conscious that they start to call attention to themselves, the play suffers. Such is the case with Eisa Davis' "Bulrusher," now in a production by Congo Square (in cooperation with Pegasus Players). The play stretches belief on every level, but it is partially salvaged by several fine performances and some exceptionally sophisticated design work."

Windy City Times - Highly Recommended

"...Davis' pantheistic lyricism could easily dissolve into empty rhapsodizing, but TaRon Patton's savvy direction keeps her actors firmly grounded in their story's progression to make every word carry its full weight in importance, while Andrei Onegin's scenic design puts the pastoral majesty of the Pacific northwest in the forefront of our consciousness (no easy task in the cavernous Beacon Street auditorium). Nature being traditionally represented as female, the major conflicts are shouldered by Ericka Ratcliff, Tamberla Perry and Elizabeth Laidlaw, though Joe Zarrow, Courtney Crouse and Adrian LaMonte Byrd acquit themselves bravely as men worthy of these powerful surrogate goddesses."

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...I was taken by the fabulously sparkling performance by Ericka Ratcliff as Bulrusher. She exudes innocence, warmth and energy; her eyes sparkle with enthusiasm and honesty. Elizabeth Laidlaw and Courtney Crouse offered excellent work. Director TaRon Patton paced well as she built both the peacefulness of the town and the dramatic ark seamlessly. Burusher is a gem. Congo Square Theatre, once again, demonstrates their artistic craft through their selection and stellar production of Bulrusher. Don't miss this show!"

Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended

"...My impression of the production fluctuated between powerful performances from some actors and confusion about some of the accents, characters and storylines. I'm not really one for plot twists, and they are strange and many in this script. I felt jarred by the casual turn we took to topics of sexuality, abortion, and a huge secret divulged toward the end. The ending, by the way, came abruptly as characters somehow knew things about each other that were previously kept secret. Everything resolves quickly and a little too perfectly."