PRESS
Theatrical Reviews
THE WINTER'S TALE, OAK PARK FESTIVAL THEATRE
"It’s the female leads that give 'Winter’s Tale' its oomph, and Rebecca Swislow as the wronged Hermione and Barbara Zahora (who also serves as the troupe’s artistic director) as gadfly courtier Paulina, deliver strong, highly charged performances, radiating a moral confidence and clarity that are equal and opposite to Leontes’ brutal, pigheaded selfishness.”
—NewCity Chicago, Hugh Iglarsh
"As stoic, steely Queen Hermione, Swislow is first-rate. Her quiet poise matches Leontes’ strength as she reacts to her husband’s false accusations and professes her love for him."
MACBETH, ANNAPOLIS SHAKESPEARE COMPANY
"Rebecca Swislow’s Lady Macbeth is wonderful as an unfaltering woman and a wife willing to do anything to advance her husband to the throne. Swislow’s seamless show of strength and determination is spellbinding and shocking at the same time."
—MD Theatre Guide, April Forrer
"As Lady Macbeth, Rebecca Swislow presents a fascinating combination: supportive wife willing to further her husband's career and ambitious woman looking out for her own future. Swislow invests every act with love for her husband as her primary motivation, whether it means developing strategy or lifting a blood-stained dagger to implicate guards in a murderous deed."
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY, ANNAPOLIS SHAKESPEARE COMPANY
"Rebecca Swislow...is stunning as Elinor. In her every scene you can feel Elinor’s sense of reserve and inner strength. When Rebecca Swislow cries onstage, you almost weep with her. You find yourself personally in Elinor’s pursuit happiness."
—DC Metro Theater Arts, Winters Geimer
"Having impressed as Lady Macbeth in the troupe's season opener, Rebecca Swislow defines the role of sensible, strong Elinor, who is never dull, despite her calm exterior. She is fiercely protective of her impetuous sister and of her kind, fragile mother, played by Sue Struve. Swislow projects Elinor's longing for Edward, and is emotionally touching when her trust in him is shaken."
—The Baltimore Sun, Mary Johnson
KING JOHN, WSC AVANT BARD
"Rebecca Swislow in a mesmerizing performance makes very real Princess Blanche’s turmoil and distress over the bloody battle that breaks open like an infected wound on the day of her wedding."
—MD Theatre Guide, Ed Simmons, Jr.
"...while Rebecca Swislow is especially strong as Blanche, King John's niece and a marriageable pawn in the geopolitical games of the moment"