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Animals
Lydia (Aja Naomi King) and Henry (Jason Butler Harner)’s dinner guests (Madeline Brewer and William Jackson Harper) are about to arrive when Henry’s spontaneous marriage proposal threatens to burn the evening to a crisp. Wine bottles and years of unspoken tensions are uncorked, and, before the evening is through, Lydia must confront her long-held fears and feelings if she’s going to commit to a future with Henry. Directed by Whitney White, Stacy Osei-Kuffour’s world premiere comedy marches into the muddy intersection of romantic entanglement, identity, pride, and survival.
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First published December 17, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 5, 2021
I don’t think I am the target audience for “Animals” an audible original (freebee) Williamstown Theatre Festival production narrated by William Jackson Harper, Jason Butler Harner, Madeline Brewer, and Aja Naomi King. It’s more for my children, who are in the 20-30 year-old range. It’s about two couples who are getting together for dinner. Right away, the listener knows something is strange, in that the hosting couple just got engaged right before the other couple arrives. And the reason for the dinner is to celebrate an anniversary: the anniversary of the hosting woman and the guest man’s first meeting. Yes, they get together to celebrate the beginning of a friendship, a friendship anniversary. And the hosting woman is black, while the hosting man is white. The visiting man is black and the visiting woman is white. In other words, right away we know this is going to be about race and identity. Yet, it’s more than that. The story/play explores relationships, attitudes, education, and all those “adulting” topics. I enjoyed it because it was a view to current dating/adulting of that age group. The “F-bomb” is thrown around a great deal, so if that language annoys/bothers you, don’t listen!!
March 8, 2021
“Animals”, by Stacy Osei-Kuffour is an audible original theatre production — with a full cast. It’s 1 hour and 49 minutes long.
It’s ‘free’ for Audible members. (no credit needed)
After I got home from walking and listening to this — which I enjoyed — I saw many mixed reviews on audible....the full range from 1 to 5 stars.
A 1 star reviewers said...
“It felt more like bad reality TV that anything approaching real relationships that are worth exploring, and the constant swearing is incredibly distracting”
A few other comments were...
From a 4 star rating reader:....”what I liked about this piece were the uncomfortable conversations about race, sex, politics.
The reviewer felt it was eye-opening and highly recommended it.
Several other reviewers- 5 and 4 stars said....
“It was raw and real”.
“It was spectacular”.....”Life is messy”.....”It hit close to home as a 30 year old. Worth it”
My turn....
“Animals” WAS worth listening to me.
For starters....I liked the THEATRE - SOMETIMES OVERLY DRAMATIC performance aspects. I like these ‘Theater productions’.
I loved the dialogue— the fighting, the squabbles, the ‘issues’.
Kept me walking and interested.
...Henry just asked Lydia to marry him.
...Lydia screams at him — why TODAY —of ALL days? ( I won’t spoil the ‘timing-considerations’ from Lydia)...but to say .... from HER point of view...I understood. Not fair....but I understood.
....Dinner guests were expected any minute.
....Holy F....
....things definitely were going to get messy....hurtful....and complicated....
By the end of the story....
Part of me was happy it ended as it did. The other half of me was sad.
I don’t want to give spoilers ...and it’s too difficult to share more without them....so instead....I’m going to share a personal true story about myself. ( a little embarrassing- but I’ll deal with it).....Hope others can...
Or....skip this review...and read something else.
It’s ‘somewhat’ related to this story .....
Years ago ....I was engaged to a wonderful guy named Art. We lived together for a couple of years in a cute cottage in Oakland.
I was secure in Art’s love for me. Never doubted it. He was a therapist, Jewish, and from New Jersey. His parents loved me.
I didn’t experience the same enthusiasm from my mom towards Art. Although she never said anything.
Short story:
An engagement party was happening at an Asian restaurant in San Francisco ......flowers, guests, family, the whole nine yards....THAT EVENING.
Just hours before....I broke off the engagement.
There were many great things about Art....( about us)....
....We ‘seriously’ had sex 2 or 3 times a day..never once ‘skipping’ a day...I kid you not. I admit...it was heaven. We both knew sex was a strong part of our relationship. Couldn’t fake what we had.
And....
....I cheated on Art, once, told him. He forgave me. ( I learned the big lesson— cheating does not work— and just not for moral reasons — I mean - it REALLY JUST DOES NOT WORK- one begins to sabotage oneself or destroy something else. I KNEW I WOULD NEVER CHEAT AGAIN. So.....my cheating - per say - over a year prior - was not the breakup issues.
....TRUTH....I couldn’t fully explain why I broke our engagement — and on the night of the ‘real deal’.....a dinner -engagement-celebration with family and friends.
I recently had a disturbing dream.....I was in a concentration camp. Something about that dream haunted me...scared me....and felt...that if I married Art....I would [down-the-line] - be untruthful in my deepest feelings.
Art read books...books like crazy ( ha, like I do now)....but back then I was running out to play tennis 3 nights a week....
I was more social. Art was a deep thinker... I was a F...ing-American cheerleader.....( forever?)....
....Art was kinda Zen-ish.....
....I just wanted to play ...
....I GOT SCARED!!!....and walked. I hurt him terribly. It hurt me too.
...A few more times Art & I hooked up ....( we knew each other so darn well....it was painful to break up)....but Art was ‘the guy’ who gave me confidence that I ‘could’ have a relationship work. I’m still thankful to him for that gift.
....BUT...in time, we kept away from each other.
YEARS later....( now married)....Paul and I ran into Art at Davies Hall in San Francisco. Just like that — hundreds of people at a symphony....and in the crowd was Art. I introduced him to Paul.
...YEARS later....( again)...FACEBOOK generation ....Art and I enjoyed a little sharing. We are both happy with our spouses. They had two kids. We had two kids ....
....We both have sweet memories....no more hurts.
Why share this story?
There is an element in “Animals”, that reminded me of my own.
....What happens when you feel like your life could be - would be - hoped to be - different that the one you are living?
....what happens when your feelings don’t match your own wishes?
....what to do if you don’t honestly love the person you’re with?
....what to do if you ‘think’ you still love somebody else?
THESE ISSUES ARE EXPLORED, in “Animals”.
Mix in interracial couples - ( although I never really thought that was the main issue), and politics ( but also not the main issue)...
Yes...this audiobook is loud & messy....swearing was the norm....
But ...under the comic-dramatic performance—Lydia and Henry confront their fears...( in front of their guests)....then again alone.
To me....the power was in the ending....
Because of my own ending story with Art....I was left contemplating Lydia & Henry’s ending.
NOT A BOOK FOR EVERYONE....
I wouldn’t go so far to say - this is a must read....
But....if you have ever spent time thinking about ....a past relationship....” the one who walked away”.... or wondered about “why you stay” in the relationship you are in....(can handle not liking the characters—and listening to uncomfortable conversations)....
Then you just might find this 1 hour and 49 minute audiobook entertaining in its own way.
It’s ‘free’ for Audible members. (no credit needed)
After I got home from walking and listening to this — which I enjoyed — I saw many mixed reviews on audible....the full range from 1 to 5 stars.
A 1 star reviewers said...
“It felt more like bad reality TV that anything approaching real relationships that are worth exploring, and the constant swearing is incredibly distracting”
A few other comments were...
From a 4 star rating reader:....”what I liked about this piece were the uncomfortable conversations about race, sex, politics.
The reviewer felt it was eye-opening and highly recommended it.
Several other reviewers- 5 and 4 stars said....
“It was raw and real”.
“It was spectacular”.....”Life is messy”.....”It hit close to home as a 30 year old. Worth it”
My turn....
“Animals” WAS worth listening to me.
For starters....I liked the THEATRE - SOMETIMES OVERLY DRAMATIC performance aspects. I like these ‘Theater productions’.
I loved the dialogue— the fighting, the squabbles, the ‘issues’.
Kept me walking and interested.
...Henry just asked Lydia to marry him.
...Lydia screams at him — why TODAY —of ALL days? ( I won’t spoil the ‘timing-considerations’ from Lydia)...but to say .... from HER point of view...I understood. Not fair....but I understood.
....Dinner guests were expected any minute.
....Holy F....
....things definitely were going to get messy....hurtful....and complicated....
By the end of the story....
Part of me was happy it ended as it did. The other half of me was sad.
I don’t want to give spoilers ...and it’s too difficult to share more without them....so instead....I’m going to share a personal true story about myself. ( a little embarrassing- but I’ll deal with it).....Hope others can...
Or....skip this review...and read something else.
It’s ‘somewhat’ related to this story .....
Years ago ....I was engaged to a wonderful guy named Art. We lived together for a couple of years in a cute cottage in Oakland.
I was secure in Art’s love for me. Never doubted it. He was a therapist, Jewish, and from New Jersey. His parents loved me.
I didn’t experience the same enthusiasm from my mom towards Art. Although she never said anything.
Short story:
An engagement party was happening at an Asian restaurant in San Francisco ......flowers, guests, family, the whole nine yards....THAT EVENING.
Just hours before....I broke off the engagement.
There were many great things about Art....( about us)....
....We ‘seriously’ had sex 2 or 3 times a day..never once ‘skipping’ a day...I kid you not. I admit...it was heaven. We both knew sex was a strong part of our relationship. Couldn’t fake what we had.
And....
....I cheated on Art, once, told him. He forgave me. ( I learned the big lesson— cheating does not work— and just not for moral reasons — I mean - it REALLY JUST DOES NOT WORK- one begins to sabotage oneself or destroy something else. I KNEW I WOULD NEVER CHEAT AGAIN. So.....my cheating - per say - over a year prior - was not the breakup issues.
....TRUTH....I couldn’t fully explain why I broke our engagement — and on the night of the ‘real deal’.....a dinner -engagement-celebration with family and friends.
I recently had a disturbing dream.....I was in a concentration camp. Something about that dream haunted me...scared me....and felt...that if I married Art....I would [down-the-line] - be untruthful in my deepest feelings.
Art read books...books like crazy ( ha, like I do now)....but back then I was running out to play tennis 3 nights a week....
I was more social. Art was a deep thinker... I was a F...ing-American cheerleader.....( forever?)....
....Art was kinda Zen-ish.....
....I just wanted to play ...
....I GOT SCARED!!!....and walked. I hurt him terribly. It hurt me too.
...A few more times Art & I hooked up ....( we knew each other so darn well....it was painful to break up)....but Art was ‘the guy’ who gave me confidence that I ‘could’ have a relationship work. I’m still thankful to him for that gift.
....BUT...in time, we kept away from each other.
YEARS later....( now married)....Paul and I ran into Art at Davies Hall in San Francisco. Just like that — hundreds of people at a symphony....and in the crowd was Art. I introduced him to Paul.
...YEARS later....( again)...FACEBOOK generation ....Art and I enjoyed a little sharing. We are both happy with our spouses. They had two kids. We had two kids ....
....We both have sweet memories....no more hurts.
Why share this story?
There is an element in “Animals”, that reminded me of my own.
....What happens when you feel like your life could be - would be - hoped to be - different that the one you are living?
....what happens when your feelings don’t match your own wishes?
....what to do if you don’t honestly love the person you’re with?
....what to do if you ‘think’ you still love somebody else?
THESE ISSUES ARE EXPLORED, in “Animals”.
Mix in interracial couples - ( although I never really thought that was the main issue), and politics ( but also not the main issue)...
Yes...this audiobook is loud & messy....swearing was the norm....
But ...under the comic-dramatic performance—Lydia and Henry confront their fears...( in front of their guests)....then again alone.
To me....the power was in the ending....
Because of my own ending story with Art....I was left contemplating Lydia & Henry’s ending.
NOT A BOOK FOR EVERYONE....
I wouldn’t go so far to say - this is a must read....
But....if you have ever spent time thinking about ....a past relationship....” the one who walked away”.... or wondered about “why you stay” in the relationship you are in....(can handle not liking the characters—and listening to uncomfortable conversations)....
Then you just might find this 1 hour and 49 minute audiobook entertaining in its own way.
March 17, 2021
A Black & White “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf”?!
This audio play grew on me. From the start I thought it was too derivative of Albee’s living room battles, but as the characters developed and the tension rose, I began to appreciate the dynamic and I think it worked to a great extent.
The Audible version contains an interview with the Playwright, which brought her intentions even more into focus, concentrating on the Racial element. This made me more aware of its relevance to 21st Century America with its gender, race and class tensions. The play is a worthwhile, thought-provoking,experience. Four stars.
This audio play grew on me. From the start I thought it was too derivative of Albee’s living room battles, but as the characters developed and the tension rose, I began to appreciate the dynamic and I think it worked to a great extent.
The Audible version contains an interview with the Playwright, which brought her intentions even more into focus, concentrating on the Racial element. This made me more aware of its relevance to 21st Century America with its gender, race and class tensions. The play is a worthwhile, thought-provoking,experience. Four stars.
December 25, 2020
Ugh. Three completely unlike able characters doing and saying terrible things to each other.
And kissing sounds on audio is just gross and creepy
And kissing sounds on audio is just gross and creepy
December 28, 2020
I hated feeling the feelings of the characters but the writing was terrific and hard to put down.
January 18, 2021
This was the story of two people getting engaged that are of different races that really shouldn't and then the reason they shouldn't get engaged showing up and making it worse. The entire story was uncomfortable between all off the different characters fighting between each other. I do think that was the point of the story but still maybe not one that I would choose to read in the future.
March 4, 2025
I hate this and quite often I did hate the characters, but I still kinda loved the play.
February 10, 2021
The 2020 Williamstown Theatre Festival is offered free by Audible because of the pandemic. This raw play, about two mixed-race couples who meet for dinner and descend into rancor from their interethnic differences and jealousies, seems to have polarized reviewers on Goodreads. The play, to be sure, revels in its own unfiltered language (almost musically or buoyantly so), but the ideas are edgy, engaging. The zing of the play reminded me a little of Disgraced, though it is ultimately less forceful.
December 26, 2020
Oh my. It was a short novel about a couple who was engaged on the day that they were having a party celebrating a fifteen year anniversary of the female engaged and her best friend.
I listened to this through audio books and the characters doing this play did a wonderful job. So much drama. It was enlightening and gave credit to the story.
At the dinner party there were serious conversations about race, age, love, marriage, etc.. An altercation happened at the party and the freshly engage female left the house. Her friend followed her. The conversations that happened after this were enlightening.
The ending was sick, but they came to their own endings.
Recommend.
After this play, we got to have a twelve minute discussion with the two female players. This was a great conversation.
I listened to this through audio books and the characters doing this play did a wonderful job. So much drama. It was enlightening and gave credit to the story.
At the dinner party there were serious conversations about race, age, love, marriage, etc.. An altercation happened at the party and the freshly engage female left the house. Her friend followed her. The conversations that happened after this were enlightening.
The ending was sick, but they came to their own endings.
Recommend.
After this play, we got to have a twelve minute discussion with the two female players. This was a great conversation.
January 3, 2021
What I liked about this piece were the uncomfortable conversations about race, sex, and politics. Because I believe these things need to be talked about. I love how Lydia was an extremely messy character with her own doubts and her own insecurities and how she portrayed a woman who is ready to go full force into a marriage, knowing that she did not absolutely love Henry. I also loved how both of the couples were interracial and both couples had representation from different age ranges.
What I didn’t like or appreciate as much about this particular story is the constant arguing and digs that the characters made at each other. Even though I understand it was a part of the atmosphere of the story, it got old very fast. But I also think that a lot of people can resonate with the story simply because that is how some people behave.
Would definitely recommend.
What I didn’t like or appreciate as much about this particular story is the constant arguing and digs that the characters made at each other. Even though I understand it was a part of the atmosphere of the story, it got old very fast. But I also think that a lot of people can resonate with the story simply because that is how some people behave.
Would definitely recommend.
December 31, 2020
"There are fresh, interesting points to consider––the undeniable benefit of supporting the artistic voices of women of color––and the couples’ sparring is often great fun. Another draft, or the realization that not every play has to be, well, every play at once, might’ve helped. In this current audio-only iteration, it feels like picking the good bits out of a long-winded voice memo from a friend with too much on their mind."
Full review on Theatrely.
Full review on Theatrely.
January 3, 2021
Noklausījos audiogrāmatu. Sižets notiek vienā vietā un vienā laikā - 1.49h pie vakariņu galda. Tēmas - politika, rasisms un ļoooooti jocīgas savstarpējās attiecības. ⭐⭐⭐ Jo nedomāju, ka šis stāsts būs atmiņā paliekošs.
January 9, 2021
Osei-Kuffour’s play is so rich (and authentic) in its dialogue. The tension between the couples is gripping and this work offers genuine insight into race, power, politics, and love. Highly recommend this!!!
December 23, 2020
This was the first thing I’ve read/listened to that was pure real life! I felt this performance.
December 30, 2020
Utterly captivating.
December 31, 2020
This was an ugly listen. I’ll return with my full review after it’s been posted to Audible.
No.
No.
June 14, 2021
A generally well-written and well-constructed play that builds in complexity over time.
All four characters are messy and flawed, often ugly. I don't think myself any better than they are, but I'm sure as hell glad I don't relate to them. I suppose we get the messes we're made for. And these messes would be too much for me.
All four characters are messy and flawed, often ugly. I don't think myself any better than they are, but I'm sure as hell glad I don't relate to them. I suppose we get the messes we're made for. And these messes would be too much for me.
April 12, 2022
Well-written and well-performed, but stories that exist solely to showcase unlikeable characters in toxic relationships just aren’t my jam. Also really despise listening to people make out and eat in audio plays. But in a technical sense, it was effectively put together.
March 5, 2023
A story of two interracial couples dealing with race, relationships, and politics. This was more of a performance that just listening to an audio book so it was different from my usual reads. Even though all 4 people were a hot mess, it held my interest and I wondered how it would end.
April 1, 2021
Very real story set on how interracial couples deal with life.
December 17, 2021
An audible theatre audio that left me frustrated. Animals is a story of 4 people having dinner together
2 inter-racial couples, and it doesn't go so well.
2 inter-racial couples, and it doesn't go so well.
July 23, 2022
Thrilling performance of discomfort and lies you tell yourself told hold on to relationships.
August 24, 2022
A really stupendous play
December 12, 2022
3.5. I don’t think I’d call this a comedy. I laughed at some cringy moments, but it’s mostly a lot of drama. I did enjoy the listen though, as I have for all of the installments in this series.
May 21, 2021
Big Yikes. Cringed so hard through the entire audio play. I guess that means it was well written and performed because I really felt like I was a silent guest at the most uncomfortable dinner party ever. 5 stars for execution but 3 stars because I didn't really enjoy the experience and I can't see myself reccomending this to anyone.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews