"A legal drama, a romance, a story of sibling estrangement, and a cautionary tale about technology and the cost of political activism. 'Golden Shield' is a lot to chew on and somehow it is not filling."
Read more

"Despite the seeming freedom of the internet, censorship and propaganda is proliferating — not just in China but in America as well. And from ethnic cleansing to hate crimes, there have been deadly consequences in both countries. 'Golden Shield' touches on these issues without adequate space to substantively comment on them."
Read more

"As I said, such a corporate-legal-domestic-bicultural-political sandwich would be better unpacked and dramatized in an episodic, visual medium. That’s where clunky, congested dialogue (forced profanity, Mametty bro banter) might be smoothed out, and international locales presented vividly, not just wheeled into the neutral space of taupe perforated walls arranged by designer dots. "
Read more

"The events of 'Golden Shield' take place from 2006 to 2016, which strangely feels like a more innocent time. As our country adjusts its relationship to the increasingly belligerent regime in Beijing, we ought to reserve some scorn for its Stateside accomplices."
Read more

"Golden Shield certainly has its bracing moments, and let's say that King has written a pretty good play that might be better if she decided which to focus on, a justifiable rant about greed and corruption or a look at familial fissures that aren't going to heal. Illuminating both proves something of a struggle."
Read more

"It feels churlish to complain about a playwright being too ambitious. But Anchuli Felicia King doesn’t make it easy to resist the temptation with her new play receiving its American premiere courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club. This convoluted effort interweaving corporate intrigue, legal machinations and family drama becomes further burdened with its explorations of the vagaries of the art of translation."
Read more

Initially difficult to follow, Anchuli Felicia King’s "Golden Shield" settles down by the second act to be a taut legal thriller. The fine cast deals with the legalese and technology jargon as to the manner born. Director May Adrales has done fine work with the actors but has overcomplicated things with all of the doubling nor do the settings by dots entirely help in comprehension as the play moves backwards and forwards over a decade to many locations. This is one play that could probably be improved by another draft to simplify the plot and the context.
Read more

"If there is one lesson though to be taken away from 'Golden Shield,' it’s that we all need to let our armor down and be honest with one another, both in how we behave and what we say."
Read more