Gwydion Theatre's "The Lower Depths" Praised for Powerful Performances

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Gwydion Theatre Company's production of Maxim Gorky's "The Lower Depths" has been praised for its well-acted ensemble performances that capture the despair and humanity of the play's boarding house characters. Under the direction of Danny Kapinos, the mostly naturalistic acting shines, particularly in the standout turns by John Nicholson as the nihilistic Satine and Brynn Aaronson as the emotionally devastated Natasha. While the sparse set design presents some challenges, the production effectively conveys the bleak world of the play's downtrodden characters.

Why it matters

Gwydion Theatre Company has established itself as a reliable interpreter of classic literature, and "The Lower Depths" continues that tradition. The play's themes of poverty, hopelessness, and the search for dignity and kindness in a cruel world resonate powerfully with modern audiences, making this production a must-see for fans of thought-provoking, socially conscious theater.

The details

Set in a boarding house, "The Lower Depths" follows a diverse cast of desperate characters, including an alcoholic actor, a locksmith indifferent to his dying wife, and a philosophical older man named Luka who tries to inspire hope in his fellow residents. The production features overlapping dialogue that establishes the chaotic boarding house setting, and standout performances from John Nicholson as the nihilistic Satine and Brynn Aaronson as the emotionally raw Natasha. While the sparse set design can make location changes unclear, the ensemble acting grounds the production and draws the audience into the characters' struggles.

• The Lower Depths runs at the Chopin Theatre's basement space through February 28, 2026.

What’s next

The production of "The Lower Depths" by Gwydion Theatre Company will continue its run at the Chopin Theatre's basement space through February 28, 2026.