“It's one of the most extraordinary shows I've ever seen.”
PLAYCLOSED
The Encounter
Opened Sep 29, 2016 · Closed Jan 8, 2017 · Ran for 4 months
9 Rave
14 Positive
13 Mixed
12 Negative
Critics' Take
Critics are divided on this technologically ambitious solo show, praising the innovative binaural sound design but often finding the two-hour storytelling tedious and better suited to a podcast than Broadway.
This show has closed. Tickets are no longer available.
Critic Scorecard
48 reviews9 Rave
14 Positive
13 Mixed
12 Negative
Sort:
“This is theatre so pure, it doesn't need sets.”
“Simon McBurney's solo show for his company Complicite is quite extraordinary: a profound meditation on our relationship to time and a captivating piece of high-definition storytelling.”
“McBurney, with the help of sound designers Gareth Fry and Pete Malkin, has turned the performance into a synesthesia-inducing, orgasmic auditory experience, and the rigidly structured Broadway theatre into an intimate, elastic organism that breathes through various dimensions.”
“A brilliant tour de force on multiple levels, “The Encounter” is an experience that should be experienced by as many people as possible, and one that I wholeheartedly recommend.”
Audience Scorecard
661 audience reviews
B-
Shrugging
Awards Scorecard
2016-17 season19
Honored
Drama Desk:1 win
Box Office Scorecard
source · Broadway League, publicAll Time
Frequently Asked Questions
What do critics say about The Encounter?
Critics are divided on this technologically ambitious solo show, praising the innovative binaural sound design but often finding the two-hour storytelling tedious and better suited to a podcast than Broadway. (CriticScore 67/100 from 48 reviews.)
Is The Encounter worth seeing?
Probably, if the material interests you. Critics say The Encounter is worth seeing (67/100 from 48 reviews) — it works best if the premise or cast appeals to you.
What is the CriticScore for The Encounter?
The Encounter has a CriticScore of 67/100 based on 48 professional reviews. This is rated "Worth Seeing".
Is The Encounter still running on Broadway?
No, The Encounter has closed. It played at John Golden Theatre and closed on January 8, 2017.
Theater Scorecard
Typical VenueThe John Golden Theatre offers good sightlines from most seats, though sound quality can vary, especially under the mezzanine. Seating comfort is typical of older theaters with tight legroom, but the venue maintains a pleasant ambiance overall. Facilities are adequate, though not exceptional.
Original Broadway Cast
- Simon McBurneyEnsemble
- Richard KatzEnsembleAt Wednesday matinees
Creative Team
- Simon McBurneyDirector
Quick Facts
- CriticScore
- 67/100 (48 reviews)
- Status
- Closed
- Opened
- Sep 29, 2016
- Closed
- Jan 8, 2017
- Run Length
- 4 months
- Data Last Updated
- October 7, 2026
