Brakkesyke

Thought provoking, intelligent, earnest

Best show I’ve seen at fringe 2026. The cast’s chemistry and rapport was cohesive, and the subject matter is very timely. War for the sake of war, our relationship to boredom, with earnest moments of levity peppered in

The Wait is Over for a Great Show

I really enjoyed and appreciated this clever homage to Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot”. While Godot dealt with the absurdity of life in general, this play focuses on war. It’s not surprising that Beckett was inspired to write Godot from his experiences waiting in a forest in WW2. The show was only 45 minutes long and so good I wanted more.

Don't miss this!

I found this to be an excellent show -- very compelling! At first I wasn't sure how a fringe show about war would unfold, but almost immediately I was pulled right into the narrative and was engaged for the whole 50 minutes. Excellent writing and the acting was impressive. I found it quite thought provoking and timely. A definate must-see in this year's fringe line-up.

SO WELL DONE - DON'T MISS!

A must see in this year's line up, especially if you are looking for a unique and thought-provoking experience. Beautiful and masterful performances from all actors -- I was engaged from start to finish and love what they did with the script and with the space. Did not know what to expect going in but was thoroughly impressed. Smart, intentional, and so well done. Go see it while you still can!

La Guerre Est Finie...

Or at least, that's what every army seems to promise these days. As New Product Company's production details, that line's been said for a long, long time. This is easily one of the most unique Fringe productions you're likely to see this season, and one of the best. It's a story about waiting, about trying to be somewhere else, how time and cold can be so cruel, and exactly what liquor belongs in a Mai Tai.

Intrigue! Loved it!

An overall great show, the acting, the story, the production all came together beautifully. It gives you a lot to think about and take away long after it’s over. Short in length but powerful in impact, definitely recommend catching this one!

Worth a slot in your Fringe schedule!

I admit that the preview for BRAKKESYKE turned me off, but after reading all the good reviews, I had to see it for myself. And boy, I’m glad I did! Great use of the stage, although I would recommend sitting closer to the side where the audience enters (facing the opening of the stove). The actors do a tremendous job, with each character feeling distinct even with little in the way of backstory. There is a moment near the middle where the script falls into some well-worn cliches, but this is the sort of show that makes me excited to see more of the art that Gen Z is creating. While this didn’t quite make it into my Top 5 2026 Fringe Shows, it did get quite close! Solidly recommend (and buy some concessions while you are there to support Theater in the Round—but know you can only bring water into the house).

Waiting for Godot meets No Exit

If you are a fan of existential theater, this may be the show for you. Nicely done and very engaging, this piece satisfies those who are looking for a drama with a bit more depth. Go support our producer friends from Pittsburgh, and our local actor friends as well. Ten-hut!

Are we dead yet?

No Exit? Waiting for Godot? Just think about the beach!!! Pittsburgh Power!!! (See the show and you'll understand.)

Outstanding

Thought provoking! Great acting and a smart script results in a great show. Be sure to see this one!

Compelling and smart!

How do humans respond to the psychological discomfort of extreme tedium in a setting where they could presumably die at any moment? How do you deal with the notion of the 'enemy' when you seem to have so much in common with them? What happens when the military command structure becomes an absurd game of, 'who's it?' Part "Lord of the Flies", and part "Waiting for Godot", this will give you lots to chew on. Solid acting, well-crafted writing, great venue!! Recommended!

Striking!

I enjoyed the movement and interrelationship of characters and the circular time warp that encapsulates the mundane existence that can come with war. A cool take on a tough subject done with style!

Intelligent script, well done!

The text and themes linger after seeing this show. I want a copy of the script so I can revisit it. The direction of the talented three person cast is well paced for a slow, gripping story to unfold. Go see it and bring a friend to discuss it with afterwards.

Great show. Don’t miss it.

Compelling topic. Creative script. Brilliant acting. Don’t miss this play.

One to see!

Enjoyed every minute of this performance. Content, acting and venue all top notch! Don't miss this one. Loved it!

Fabulous

Loved the story and found it funny. Would definitely recommend!

See This One While You Can!

Thought-provoking and thoughtful. Timely. The show shows not just the absurdity of war, but its effects on the human condition, time and space. The directing and acting were superb. I would love a copy of the script or to be able to see it about 10 more times. Lots going on.

Thought provoking

Great acting and interesting script. Packed a lot of production value into a compact performance space. Definitely recommend!

When Reality Is Shared

A nice well paced show offered by a three person cast. Set in a remote, isolated war zone that is cut off from contact the actors find that the cold isn't the only thing numbing. An enemy knocks on the door and surrenders but what has happen? This is a story of the need for human interaction but are those interactions real? I liked this and recommended it.

a rumor of war

It's been said that war is long periods of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror. In this thought-provoking play, carried by three soldiers on the edge of nowhere, those long periods of boredom are punctuated, not by terror, but by musings on the meaning of life (and death), deep human feeling, and even flashes of humor. It's a heavy-duty meditation on the endless wars that we seem to be sentenced to. Go see it!

Taut, tense, a timely play about permanent war

I was pulled right into the narrative straightaway. The writing was terrific. A story never so obscure as to lose you, but also twisty and mysterious enough to keep me interested. Plenty of tension. Beautiful and masterful performances from all 3actors.

The Saga of the Absurdity of War