Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...But despite the visually delightful designs, particularly Branimira Ivanova's costumes, which favor a sort of steampunk anthropomorphism, there is little that really surprises us in this story. Of course good triumphs over evil in fairy tales, but the best of them require some sacrifice of their heroes and some sense of horror underpinning the fantasy. And surely the powerful gift that Gasho acquires might make him privy to some not-so-comforting observations from the animal kingdom."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...In bringing this story to the stage, director Jacqueline Stone amps up the charm, packing her production with beguiling touches: fascinating masks (Kirk Anderson) and thrift shop costumes (Branimira Ivanova), not to mention an ensemble that plays well together and knows how to convey both the darkness and light of this rich tale."
Centerstage - Highly Recommended
"...It’s a great show. And, to Ms. Stone’s credit, it is a great TUTA show. She’s carried on the tradition of TUTA in fine fashion, creating something visually rich, textually challenging, deeply theatrical; a tale so simply and wonderfully told it held children of elementary school age and full-grown adults like me on the edge of our seats. Go see it"
Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Miodrag Stanisavljevic's The Silent Language, adapted from a Serbian folktale (and translated into English by Zoran Paunovic), brings to life the details around us we often take for granted. Every element of TUTA's production serves to define and solidify the magic of the play's world. The remarkable set is draped in earthy tones and adorned with hanging lightbulbs and tree limbs. The rich lighting design and bright, organic music make the environment feel expansive and vivid, while the strong physicality and commitment of the performers to each role makes every encounter a delight. At times gleeful, at others mesmerizing, The Silent Language will remind you of when you were young enough for fairytales, when wonder and danger could be found in a backyard, and maybe you could even hear the blades of grass."
ShowBizChicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...Once you get used to the chirping and chattering - as surely Poor Gasho must've realized - it's easier to focus on the task at hand. After help from the animals, he stumbles his way into the elf's lair, where a motley band is accompanying the princess as she sings. (Wain Parham's original music is at its best here.) Unfortunately, there aren't enough of these sweet moments to last throughout the play. After a drawn-out fight scene that could've been edited down to half and a bland yet fairy tale-worthy happy ending, it's the visual team that helps elevate the show above its lack of verbal substance. While the show has a rich visual identity and plenty of offbeat personality, it could benefit from a little less chatter and a little more wordplay."
Stage and Cinema - Somewhat Recommended
"...However frustrating the one-note script, The Silent Language, under the direction of newly appointed Artistic Director Jacqueline Stone (her directorial debut at TUTA), is offset by stunning visuals and a reimagining of TUTA's theater space that almost defies imagination. Set Designer Michelle Lilly has the audience sit around her multi-leveled set on varied stools, chairs and couches as the action takes place all around us."
ChicagoCritic - Somewhat Recommended
"...So sure. The story's not the best in the world. And the tone and style are a bit muddled. But if you're willing to put up with it, you'll at least be partially rewarded with some remarkably inventive visuals by some first-rate production designers. Indeed, at least in this case, the Silent Language is the one you hear with your eyes."
Around The Town Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...The cast of players were as energetic a group of actors as I have seen. They were non-stop running off as one character and coming back ( costume change) as another and never did they error in which they were playing. They should all be congratulated on the work they did : Jaimelyn Gray, Angela Bullard, Sean Ewert ( a great Boogie-man) and the incredible Laurie Larson. As I said, the set is dark and multi-leveled but there are some very neat items that make it interesting. The props are a key to this type of show and there are a great many unusual items gathered by Oliver Todd."
