T.I.K.T.B.T. - T.E.A.M.

 Tension: The play's tension is mostly established through the character's dynamics with each other and their interactions. The dialogue is especially poignant and realistic and accentuates the emotional depth of the scenes. The simplistic set design allows the audience to focus on the character's emotional monologues while also deepening the meaning with movement and set changes as the monologue proceeds. The use of dark blue lighting to illuminate these things while at the same time not drawing attention was a smart move. The build-up of the character's monologues and conversations with each other and the inevitable shift into an argument provides a realistic and tense depiction of dysfunctional family dynamics as well. 

Emotion: As mentioned before, much of the emotion stems from the raw and powerful dialogue between the family members. Another aspect is the physical movements of the actors, which portray the energy and feelings of the characters with precision in a way that resonates with the audience. While much of it is interpretive and contemporary, it still feels raw and from the heart. 

Atmosphere: The shows simplistic set design allows the actors and the characters' stories to stand front and center. The show washes much of the stage in a dark blue that allows things to be happening in the background without taking up too much space or the audience's attention. The music also sets the tone of the show with simple yet moving songs that flow throughout the show without taking up too much attention that instead goes to the scene at hand. 

Meaning: This show is focused on a dysfunctional family as it reckons with the consequences of unhappy parents raising unhappy children. And over the course of the year, every child in some way or another takes a huge step in their life. The show highlights the deterioration of the family dynamic, its causes, and its effect. Through this, it tells a tragedy of love lost and bridges burned, and the consequences of leading unhappy, unfulfilled lives.