6 / 10
The production is most effective when it is simply trying to suggest a tormented, mystical mind in small impressionistic touches, helped as well by Christopher Akerlind’s lighting design. Clarke, who has been creating unclassifiable dance-theater works since the 1980s with such pieces as “Garden of Earthly Delights” and “Vienna: Lusthaus,” remains one of the most visually driven directors in activity — a compliment, to be clear.
5 / 10
It’s hard not to wonder what about this project appealed to director Clarke, whose most acclaimed work makes striking use of choreographic movement and inventive visual images. Nothing here calls for her special skills, with a single old man shuffling in slacks and blue shirt (costume by Donna Zakowska) around his crowded space. And Kelly’s flat performance, with its childlike intonations and sing-song rhythms, needs a sharper directorial hand to make Darger both convincing and compelling.
Vineyard Theatre will present a second extension of Bughouse. The world premiere of Bughouse, conceived and directed by Martha Clarke features a script by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Beth Henley.
The recently extended world premiere of Bughouse opened tonight at Vineyard Theatre, conceived and directed by Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, and Obie Award winner and MacArthur “Genius” fellow Martha Clarke. The reviews are in! See what the critics had to say in our roundup!
Vineyard Theatre will present one week extension for the world premiere of Bughouse, conceived and directed by Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, and Obie Award winner and MacArthur “Genius” fellow Martha Clarke.
Get a first look at production photos of the world premiere of Bughouse, conceived and directed by Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, and Obie Award winner and MacArthur “Genius” fellow Martha Clarke.
Vineyard Theatre has announced that due to an illness in the company, the technical rehearsals for Bughouse have been delayed by one week. Performances will now begin on February 24, 2026.
All new rehearsal photos have been released from the world premiere of Bughouse, conceived and directed by Martha Clarke. Check out the photos and learn more here!
Vineyard Theatre will present the world premiere of Bughouse, conceived and directed by Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, and Obie Award winner and MacArthur “Genius” fellow Martha Clarke.
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Video/Projection Design | John Narun |
| 2026 | The Lortels | Outstanding Projection Design | John Narun |
