By Hands Unknown

The practice of lynching remains one of the ugliest parts of American history. Unearthing the past, "By Hands Unknown" offers its audience a look inside the lives of those it affected most. A collection of historical dramas written in the early 1900s, conceiver and co-director (with Harvey Huddleston) Kym Gomes' construction of the stories hits hard, rolling from heartbreak to heartbreak. It's the kind of content that builds emotions and is quick to win over audiences.

As eye-opening as "By Hands Unknown" is, the show is still a diamond in the rough. The ending, while a necessary culmination of facts about and photos of lynching, pushes through too rigidly. Most disappointing is the visible line between trained and untrained actors. Only a handful of them possess the chops to balance emotional complexity with truth. Nancy Keegan and Phil John give standout performances, each playing a variety of roles. Safiya Fredericks gives a forceful recitation of poetry between the plays, accompanied by guitarist Nathan Yates.



Presented by Brava Company and Chelsea Rep Lab as part of the New York International Fringe Festival at the New School for Drama Theatre, 151 Bank St., NYC. Aug. 13–25. Remaining performances: Tue., Aug. 17, 6:45 p.m.; Thu., Aug. 19, 3 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 21, 4:45 p.m.; Wed., Aug. 25, 9 p.m. (866) 468-7619 or www.fringenyc.org.