Brainwashed

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

Smart. Funny. Silly... full review

Brainwashed is a delightfully absurd yet strangely heartfelt extravaganza. Imagine Beckett meets Marx in a kaleidoscope of red flags, gulags, and even gastronomy! Alina Konon (with Nathan Mohebbi's direction), navigates this surreal spectacle with infectious enthusiasm. The heartfelt twist? Amidst the chaos, genuine bonds of unity shine through, reminding us that even in the most outlandish circumstances, the human spirit remains unbreakable.... full review

A deeply personal and deeply hilarious look into the soul of a country and of a performer.... full review

Am I in love with a Lenin shovel too??? | Communism & veggies This is a thought-provoking and immersive solo clown show that delves into the unsettling reality of growing up under a dictatorship. Alina intricately weaves her personal experiences from Belarus into a dark comedy that is both surreal and captivating. ... full review

"A chaotic, hilariously feral, yet vulnerable journey." I didn't quite know what to except, as this was my first time seeing a one-woman show. However, Alina's performance is nothing short of mesmerizing, as her acting and methodologies transport the audience through the timelines of her life in Belarus and love for all things communist. Even for those with little to no prior understanding of life in Belarus, by the end of the show, you will have a greater sense of the experiences and feelings Alina conveys. Her ability to evoke such strong emotions, from gut-wrenching laughter to tears, is a testament to her extraordinary talent. It's rare to find a performance that so authentically encapsulates the perplexities of life and I can guarantee ... full review