What I liked
Christina’s dry humor and precise commentary guided me along her heartbreak. I felt safe yet curious as she described her journey. Her humor knew when to come in and break any tension that might have been building – which I was a huge fan of. Not only did she share about the heartbreak in the story but exhibited, in real time, on stage. On the performance I saw, Christina connected with a truth of hers and visibly was exuding that heartbreak through tears. To me, she was able to go into something poignant and find her way back out. She allowed time to “sit in it” which felt like such a brave choice. Even if she was trying to compose herself. Allowing us to witness made me see a person- that’s what I’m looking for when I see something live. A connection. If even for just a moment. And then a joke of hers would find me.
The cultural specificity under a romantic lens, connecting that to modern context / references, got a laugh out of me every time- a unique voice speaking on a tried and true experience on disappointment when searching for love, not just from others, but for ourselves. There was a samosa analogy I still think about ( I won’t spoil it) many days after her show.
What I didn't like
It’s been echoed in these reviews so I’ll only add that Christina seems like a very creative and self aware art-maker. I’d be surprised if she hasn’t already been thinking about how to utilize the set. I could easily see her using her sharp, fast wit to expand on what she’s already laid out for us to see. I’m curious and excited to see what fun bits she comes up with in that regard- cause she clearly can, if she chooses to.
My overall impression
Christina has a steady approach in storytelling that I wish I had more in my own work- I was never lost in the details. It was comforting. Yes there were projections guiding us along with where we were in time, but Christina also has a clarity in her approach that made me feel grounded. Christina played with the audience for a brief moment and I wanted more- she knows how to do it, as she’s flowing back and forth through comedy and flashes of severity. The story itself is relatable even if the culture is not my own-as an Ecuadorian-American, I could feel the concern and shades of nuance that can come from dating within the ethnic culture you grew up with/around/inside of. It’s a complex venture and yet Christina’s specificity made it universal. I especially appreciate her self awareness in her role in the story, which then allows for the change she’s seeking. The potential sense of control. Feeling not enough or connected, where to seek comfort …I appreciated the questions Christina’s asking. I hope to see more of work as she keeps seeking answers.
