←Recommendations of BRILLIANT WORKS OF ART

Donna Hoke is always surprising, her characters disarming, her themes intricately explored. We recorded BWOA at play4keeps.org with Anthony Heald, Stefani Potter, and Román Zaragoza and the play just smokes! It was a very deft, in-your-face look at the way priorities shape the relationships we build and the choices we own. The conclusion may rattle you a bit, but it won't leave you doubting who's really in charge.

It's so refreshing for a play to speak truth in such a daring fashion. The characters are unapologetic in their sexuality, and forces the audience to think about what it means to be in a relationship. This play will generate conversations that will last long after the play is over.

Honest, thought-provoking, and totally fearless. A daring and unusual look at a woman taking control of her sexuality, which does not let the audience off the hook and leaves difficult and important questions for each audience member to figure out. I would love to see a company get up the courage to produce this powerful work.

It's not easy being the significant other of an artist. What do you owe the artist and their art? And what do they owe you? This play explores all that and more in a fun, thought-provoking way. Recommend.

A fascinating play that is sensual, empowering, engaging, funny, and thought-provoking. Abby is an endearing protagonist, James is an adorably messed-up boy, and Grant... well, Grant is Grant and I think everyone who appreciates the male gender will leave the theater craving a Grant. But more than the well-developed and effortless characters, Brilliant Works of Art is unapologetic. It doesn't state what people "think it should"--and that's what makes it such a unique show. Hoke has painted the show not in shades of gray, but in glorious colors--and never in black and white. Highly recommended.

Compelling story. Really well-developed characters with distinct voices. Very smart. Side note: I had to laugh at the edamame because my husband's friend did that at a restaurant once and I was so freaked out. I even questioned him about it but he continued to eat the whole thing - including the outer shells! I bet his stomach hurt later...

Wonderful play that will inspire many late night discussions! Keeps us guessing! I love the tiny details, how Grant teaches Abby and then Abby teaches James, and the surprises with characters showing up where they are not expected. Satisfying and most worthy of production!

Donna has crafted a really complex and lovely story that deals with a lot of things we might see in life but pass judgment about. Her use of characters and nuance in the relationships make it a delicious piece of theatre and with 3 actors it is very easy to produce on a shoestring budget. It is unexpected and sexy and a pleasure to dive into as a director and artist. I hope to see a fully produced staging of this play very soon.

A surprisingly textural journey for the reader and the main female character. The physical manifestation of transforming shame (the shame cards) into something beautiful (art) in the story mirrored the transformation of shame in the actual story (the affair) into something beautiful (having it all). I found this intricate weaving of theme by the playwright both compelling and authentic. Would love to see this one staged.

Trust, discretion, shame and the transaction of romantic/erotic relationship is examined brilliantly by this playwright. With brutal honesty it showcases dishonesty, and in doing so raises important questions... If we're open about what we want and what we want from other people, if we're honest about our needs and desires, without shame, is that the brilliant way to live a satisfying life? It's so easy to judge Abby, but think about it, there's a sugar baby in each of us.