Torn Space Theater

This is the kind of place you might only find in a town like Buffalo. This is why I love it. It’s housed inside the Adam Mickiewicz Library on the East Side. This is the oldest surviving Polish library in the US. When you walk in, you’re greeted with a Polish bar and transplanted back to old times. The Theater doors open only minutes before the play starts for you to take a seat, otherwise you’re huddled off to the bar. It’s a very unique space, not very resembling of a Theater.
I’ve only seen two plays here and honestly the productions were not really to my tastes. The Chekhov production was my favorite of the two I saw. I’m a big fan of natural dramatic Theater. The most recent play I saw (The Hairy Ape) had a lot of lights and ambition, fury and yelling and attempted to tackle the ageless theme of class conflict, but didn’t resonate or touch me in any sort of way… mostly because I couldn’t relate to any of the characters. It was hard to find their humanity in the midst of the madness of their circumstances (which perhaps was the point), but if I can’t relate to the characters; it’s hard for me to get anything out of the play.
Nonetheless, I will be back to Torn Space and can’t wait to see something else! It’s a very unique Theater and if there is a production you’re interested in seeing, you should definitely explore and check out this cool space on the East Side!
P. S. they have a parking lot! If it’s full, don’t be afraid to park on the streets here!

Wonderful representation of Eugene O’Neill’s «The Hairy Ape.» First time at Torn Space but will not be the last. Love the venue and being able to have wine while getting some culture is a plus. For you youngsters you may be able to catch this on TMC a movie adapted from the play which starred William Bendix and Susan Hayward — not as thought provoking but entertaining. If you’ve been thinking about going to an off Broadway show catch whatever they are doing at Torn Space.