The Cuttlefish, or the Hyrcanian Worldview Reviews

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Six Witkiewicz plays is six more than most theaters would ever consider producing, given that the playwright (who killed himself in 1939 during the German invasion of Poland) created a body of work that steadfastly refuses categorization. If you’re interested in reifying the easy secular pieties of either political purists or worshippers of art for art’s sake, Witkacy is not your man."

Stage and Cinema - Somewhat Recommended

"...Theatre does not get much more high-minded than The Cuttlefish, or the Hyrcanian Worldview, now on stage at Trap Door Theatre in Bucktown. This 1922 play from Polish surrealist Stanis?aw I. Witkiewicz—Trap Door’s favorite playwright—deals with the nature and purpose of art and the societal obligations of the artist. It is structured as a series of philosophical arguments leading to escalating tempers, farcical fisticuffs, and finally, mayhem and murder."

Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended

"...This production has the philosophy on a pedestal for the first half – literally and figuratively. Grand speeches are pronounced in classic exposition. The passion, the unpredictability, and the hijinks pick up in the second half of this one act play. Supernatural powers send the unwitting characters into paroxysms. Sultry couplings form, and re-form. Inexplicable dance numbers erupt. Chaos and hilarity reign."

Buzz Center Stage - Recommended

"...Trapdoor Theatre’s “The Cuttlefish” ought to be confounding, but somehow this 1920’s surrealist play from Poland is clear as a bell. Though ostensibly about the philosophical struggle between art and politics, the audience easily recognized echoes of the present-day overall fix in which society finds itself."

Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended

"...After reading the play The Cuttlefish, or the Hyrcanian Worldview, about an artist driven to despair due to censorship, by the early 20th century Polish avant-garde writer Stanislaw I. Witkiewicz, translated by Daniel Gerould, one could be forgiven for calling it pretentious gobbledygook. Seeing the play live, however, especially when performed by the brilliant cast at Trap Door Theatre, the genius and humor of the work shines, and one (me) owes a big thanks to the storefront company for turning this challenging piece into one of the best productions of the new year."

Chicago On Stage - Recommended

"...Trapdoor Theatre’s production of The Cuttlefish: Or, The Hyrcanian Worldview by Stanis?aw I. Witkiewicz and directed by Nicole Wiesner thrusts the audience into a journey through the psychomachia—an internal battle of spirits—of its playwright. Following his avatar, Pawe? Rockoffer, we encounter Witkiewicz’s psychosis in the form of dialectical disputes with a Renaissance Pope, a statuesque beauty, and the ruler of a fictional kingdom, as well as his betrothed and her mother. Altogether, the play presents a philosophically fantastical romp through the nature of art, society, and the inspirational forces driving creative expression. In short, there are few nights at the theatre that you’ll find which are like The Cuttlefish: Or, The Hyrcanian Worldview."

Allie and the After Party - Recommended

"...Debating what makes art successful, artist Pawe? Rockoffer turns to two opposing forces arguing to figure it out. The Cuttlefish, or the Hyrcanian Worldview takes us into a surrealist world, like the inside of the artist’s mind as all the characters represent different parts of the artist’s life and the arguments when she reaches this crossroad."

Werner's Theatre Reviews - Highly Recommended

"...Without a doubt, The Cuttlefish, or The Hyrcanian Worldview is a masterclass in Trap Door’s artistic strengths. This is a production worth seeing more than once to catch every detail. Audiences will leave with wide smiles—and a renewed appreciation for artistic expression without restraint."