4.5 out of 5 stars

"This Is Not About Me" is conceived and executed with such confidence, distinctive style and finesse that it's amazing to think it's the debut both for playwright Hannah Caplan and director Douglas Clarke-Wood. To a familiar premise of friends who become awkward on-and-off lovers (Amaia Naima Aguinaga and Francis Nunnery, both quite brilliant), Caplan and Clarke-Wood pile layers of depth in inventive ways. The subject ultimately turns into an exploration of writing itself and its relation to truth. The whole endeavor could feel like 10 narrative techniques in search of a play, except here's the thing: It all works. Bravo. — Adam Z. Horvath

Presented as part of Brits Off Broadway 2026 at 59E59 Theaters, through June 7, 2026; 59E59.org. (Review date: May 18, 2026)