Brainwashed

I can’t explain to you what clown is, but I can tell you that if it’s vulnerability wrapped in an enigma of humor, history, self-reflection, jokes, and soup I love it. This show was hilarious. I don’t know a lot of clowns and I even know less clowns that have a show about growing up in a dictatorship and the ramifications with that. This one had me laughing and a tear did go down my face. This was an absolute blast and glad I got to see it!!! I’ll never look at a shovel the same again ... full review

If you're reading reviews to decide whether or not to see this show, let me help with one word: GO. Not sold? Okay, four words: RUN. DO NOT WALK. What can I say that hasn't already been said? Alina is a true gift to comedy, weaving together a razor-sharp show about growing up under dictatorship with both absurdity and vulnerability.... full review

Alina shares with us such an intimate part of her life through a impactful moment in history. The blend of personal account with historical context - along with comedy and clown!-is super powerful. I love how Alina is open to her audience and just pulls us in from the moment the show begins! Go Alina!!!... full review

Manic, silly, unique, and super fun! Highly recommended. ... full review

Such great physical comedy. Alina is a rare breed of actor and writer who fully embodies so much emotion and comedic timing in simple facial expressions. It's not only a terrific show, it's a great ad for taking a clown class. ... full review

Loved the show! It was thought-provoking and honest journey of a young woman’s progression from adolescent communist supporter to trauma survivor. As we laughed with her, we began to see a woman who had brainwashed herself and wondered if we have done the same to in order to stay sane... full review

The show was highly unpredictable in a chaotic and beautiful way. It was also very audience interactive which allowed us to be apart of this personal story! I loved it, it was funny, it was sad, but most of all it was brilliant. Loved it ! ... full review

Loved it! Brave, funny, off-the-cuff. Alina commands the audience and keeps you on your toes. Did I laugh? So much it hurt. Did I cry? Yes I cried.... full review

I had a great time! Alina was captivating and hilarious the whole way through. Didn’t want it to end. ... full review

What a phenomenal show! Alina ate! It is heartfelt incredibly brilliant and funny story of a woman growing up in Soviet union and later moving to the US. Not only did a learn a little history, but I was taken back by the uniqueness and vulnerability of the story, Alina’s performances was outstanding! Blending genuine and raw emotion with humor, had the audience deeply engaged, I laughed and cried a little watching this real life touching experienced that resonated within my own thoughts of the what it takes to survive and be “strong” in this world! ... full review