Past Productions: Men Without Shadows
Directed by Simon Hammerstein

With David Wilson Barnes, Denis Butkus, Rafael De Mussa, David Heuvelman, Hillary Keegin, Jordan Lage, Josh Mann, Jace McLean, Jonathan Kells Phillips, Ted Schneider, and Rik Walter
Sets by Michael V. Moore, Lighting by David Zeffren, Costumes by Charlene Alexis Gross, and Original Music by Shara Worden

1944. Occupied France. A resistance squad is captured by collaborating countrymen and held for debriefing. What price will they pay to preserve their secret? What price will be paid to unearth it?

Sartre is regarded as among the most influential contributors to world literature in the twentieth century and, along with Martin Heidegger and Albert Camus, one of the leading proponents of the philosophical concept of existentialism. Sartre's interpretation of existentialism emphasizes that existence precedes essence and that human beings are alone in a godless, meaningless universe. He believed that individuals are thus absolutely free but also morally responsible for their actions. Sartre acknowledged the inherent absurdity of life and the despair that results from this realization but maintained that such malaise could be transcended through social and political commitment.

Men Without Shadows depicts the effects of war on people's individual humanity and how the decisions they make under pressure define who they are. This postwar existential classic by Jean-Paul Sartre and translated by Kitty Black finds a new resonance in our current climate.

Reviews of Men Without Shadows

"Be forewarned, though. This is strong stuff. Rounding up the usual adjectives like gripping, searing, and gut-wrenching doesn't begin to convey the power of this evening of theater." Read More
- Kelly Monaghan, Tribeca Trib

"Timely and commmendable...a searing examination of the limits to which one's free will may be tested." Read More
- Wilborn Hampton, The New York Times

"...Powerful!" Read More
- Tom Penketh, Backstage

"Bracing...utterly timely and very welcome." Read More
- James Hannaham, Village Voice

"Brilliant!" Read More
- Jenny Sandman, Curtain Up

"Men Without Shadows is strong stuff...a powerful production!" Read More
- Victor Gluck, Backstage

"Theatergoers in the mood for a serious think about the ethics of occupation should check out Men Without Shadows...this company acts with urgency and passion...timely." Read More
- Aaron Leichter, nytheatre.com