I haven’t seen SITI’s latest work–and to be honest, “Freshwater” didn’t make me want to, so it’s easy for me to recommend “Commencement,” which I loved. Then again, I think Chapman’s language and poetic treatment of tragedy is sorely underrepresented in theater these days, while SITI’s physical style is now almost a bit too fashionable in the indie scene.

SITI’s performances stay with you in your mind for a long time - the images, the words, the sounds… They should not be missed. But the best reason to choose SITI is for the post-performance discussion you will have with whomever you see the show with. The ideas posited by the show as well as the way they are presented by the talented Bogart and her company of designers and actors are always a source of lively debate about life and theatre.

I am biased, but I have one free night this week and I am going to Commencement. Wouldn’t miss Hanna for the world.

SITI all the way–their performances haunt my dreams.

Hanna is such an incredible talent and Clay’s writing certainly gives her a great platform for her to display everything she has to offer. I would never pass up a chance to see their work!

I love SITI’s work, and Antigone at DTW sounds like the bomb.com. However, Hanna in Commencement is an authentically downtown under the radar gem and I feel way more “in the know” by checking out her show at UNDER St. Marks. Plus the Pumpkin Pie Show comes to NYC but once a year whereas SITI shows more frequently it seems.

I saw Commencement in the one-night-only before it went to the Fringe in Edmonton and thought it was a really strong theater piece and in just the right hands with Hanna Cheek. My choice to go back is not a vote against SITI, it’s a vote for a second helping of the Pumpkin Pie Show.

While I am always fond of SITI’s work and Anne Bogart, for me, hands down, Hanna Cheek. She is pure theatrical magic. The first time I saw her perform was at the old Galapagos in The Pumpkin Pie Show’s Bar Flies. Her performance of “Bridesmaid” is still in my top 5 favorite thing I’ve seen on the NY stage in the past 5 years. In Commencement she even outdoes herself, which is shocking but true. Her performance is so powerful, deep and emotionally raw. Watching anyone else do this material could be torture, but Cheek takes it and makes it breathtaking. Magic. I can’t say enough good things about her. And Clay McLeod Chapman. Damn that boy can write.

I’ve seen both Fresh Water and Commencement. While I really enjoy Siti’s style of theater, and feel they nail atmosphere and physical specificity and commitment - I did not find the performances to be emotionally connected. I would vote for Cheek- I’ve rarely seen a performer who is so emotionally connected and specific in her work. The experience of this performance is cathartic- an opportunity for everyone in the audience to emotionally connect to the tragedy of the stories. I’m kinda into that.

Without a doubt, Hanna. Been following her from Pumpkin Pie to Waterwell (!) to Pumpking Pie to Waterwell (!!!). She’s pretty much the greatest.

“Commencement” is an amazing marriage of poetic, compelling writing and astonishing acting. If you want to walk away from a show that makes you think and feel, this is not to be missed and in such an intimate space

“Commencement” blew me away. It pairs the most talented writer of our generation with an actress who’s nothing short of spectacular. And the intimate space makes you feel like you’ve been let in on a delicious secret. I think I just might go back for a second helping.

Tough choice. As a dramaturg and teacher of theatre history, Bogart and SITI have a certain allure. But I saw Hanna do COMMENCEMENT this summer. She was absolutely astonishing–the audience was entranced and moved. You could hear a pin drop. The man sitting next to me was speechless and weeping at the end. Go. If you have a second night free, then go see SITI.

What a quandary indeed! I, too, would feel pulled: as a fellow Bard alum, perhaps my allegiances should lie with Ms Bogart’s work, or as a fellow Richmonder, maybe I should back Chapman’s show. Of course, I’ve had the immense pleasure of seeing “Commencement,” and I couldn’t recommend it highly enough–and I would be doing a great disservice to both Chapman and Cheek if I were for one moment to suggest that one should see “Antigone” instead of “Commencement.” Go on Halloween night to “Commencement”–it’s bound to be a great show and after-show, too.

Gracious. That qualifies as an “outpouring” of support for Commencement! Here’s a lucky bit of scheduling deliciousness: Antigone has a matinee. You can do both! That’s where I’ll be…