Brainwashed

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

Brainwashed is unlike any other theatrical production one is likely to encounter. I have never experienced such a unique blend of theatrical technique and subject matter. One may be confused when presented with the concept of an autobiographical one woman show about a woman’s complicated experience starting life in a Soviet state that no longer exists that incorporates clown work, audience participation, and raw emotion, but the finished product is a roller coaster of laughs, tears, and a surprisingly dense history lesson. With the brilliant direction of Nathan Mohebbi, Alina Konon takes us on a a journey though the life of a whimsical, boisterous girl who seeks what fun and laughter there is in a dark world. You will laugh, cry, and may... full review

I don't think I've ever attended a "one man show" in a small theater space like this before, but it was a great first experience. The artist did an amazing job leading me through the story and range of emotions, from the absurdly hilarious to the poignantly moving, with minimal props yet managed to convey something so powerful. There are elements that had me really thinking after I left the show. I may have to watch it again to see whether my impressions changed at all.... full review