←Recommendations of BRILLIANT WORKS OF ART

"Brilliant Works of Art" daringly explores the extent to which people are willing to part ways with propriety in order to not only survive, but have it all. The dialogue is mesmerizing, the plot riveting and provocative. The story is refreshingly original and beautifully crafted. I saw an online reading. The words and characterizations are so complete I didn’t miss props or scenery one bit. The play’s complex female lead is as bold and memorable as those of Tennessee Williams, Edward Albee and David Mamet. Artistic Directors: next time you consider staging their plays, stage this one instead.

I find it rare for a play to present a love story that feels real. Brilliant Works of Art creates love in ways I've never seen (read) before. The story is gripping, but the language is extraordinary. Although realistic, the language is raised to a semi-poetic level that kept me enthralled. I highly recommend this play.

Donna Hoke has created a beautiful, controversial and necessary story with three multi-dimensional characters that evoke powerful emotions in any audience member or reader. From page one the plot grabs you a doesn't let you go. This is a must read!

An intricate look at the politics of romantic relationships and modern classism that bring every character to its knees. More importantly, Hoke puts all of us to task by making us judges of people that resembles ourselves, that ambitions are too big for their talents, and what you are willing to do and be fine with to get it all. A powerful work by one of the greatest voices out there.

Donna Hoke takes on the hypocrisy of the "sugar daddy/sugar baby" phenomenon in "Brilliant Works of Art". She broadens the meaning (beyond the core theme of trading sex for tuition money), to encompass the art world and its collector-artist relationships. This is a taut, well-constructed play that fleshes out human greed and arrogance, on several levels. Brava, Donna Hoke.

Once again, Donna Hoke excels at writing compelling and universal naturalism that tackles large questions and themes by zeroing in on an intimate cast of characters. Abby is an amazing protagonist who is humanly flawed and impossible not to empathize with and root for. Humor and human quirkiness live alongside big moral and ethical choices in each scene, making for a quick and propulsive read! I hope to see this already well-developed play produced soon.

The characters in this play are so specific and deliberate, it allowed me to consume this play in one quick sitting. BRILLIANT WORKS OF ART was such a fantastic read. I am also grateful to Donna Hoke for allowing the characters to dictate the story, not the expectation.

A magnificent roller coaster of emotions. BRILLIANT WORKS OF ART is fast paced and heart gripping. We all have an idea of how we want the show to end but what Hoke reminds us again and again in this piece is it is all about what Abby wants.

Fast-paced and exquisitely crafted, BRILLIANT WORKS OF ART follows an unfettered young woman doing what she must to have it all. Lucky for us, the two men in her life are equally as good at getting what they want. And so, these three lives collide. Best of all, this play is all show and no tell. By allowing her characters to follow their desires to their inevitable ends, Hoke has given us a window into the complex relationship between sex and power, money and agency, barter and bribe. Love to see this staged!!

Was lucky enough to see a reading of Donna Hoke's BRILLIANT WORKS OF ART at the 2019 Detroit New Works Festival and thoroughly enjoyed it. Fast-paced, thought-provoking, and witty, BRILLIANT prompted a lively discussion about power, gender roles, and who'd really gained the upper hand at the end of the play. Hoke gives us three well-developed characters who all evolve in surprising ways, and a clever, compelling story that makes a point without ever lapsing into polemic.