What I liked
Arianna Veranesi delivers a poetic, graceful look at Janis Joplin. It is a subtle show filled with simple human moments of emotion that reveal the weight of the decision ahead. the way she fumbles with a telephone cord, the way she fidgets restlessly when a room becomes too quiet… it all reveals a woman questioning her own strength.
As the audience, knowing how the story ends simply adds to the sadness of the phone conversation we witness unfolding. Yet, Veranesi manages to end the show not in sadness and pain but in a moment of reflection that offers only hope for the future. With a thought-provoking performance at its core, this glimpse into an artist’s soul is deeply moving.
What I didn't like
Quite simply, this could be longer. This short play offers a glimpse into the life of Joplin, but the performance is so strong I wanted to spend more time with this woman.
My overall impression
This short, intimate feeling play is touching on many levels. With less than a 30 minute running time, My Janis offers a glimpse into a very specific moment when famous singer Janis Joplin faced a life-changing decision. A fascinating portrait of a frightened, tortured artist.
