What I liked
As I watched Vanlyfe I kept thinking to myself that I would have been affected by this story regardless of where it was performed — a deeply humane look at the housing crisis and its various effects. And yet, the experience of watching this in a parking lot in the June heat was transformative. An unexpected revelation was having the sounds and distractions of everyday Los Angeles life (helicopters, loud music, traffic) not quite interrupt the show, but demonstrate how disruptive city life can be when you’re just trying to be at home.
I loved the audience participation, I felt welcomed into a home, we were all offered pancakes and Takis, and treated like human beings – like everyone should be!
What I didn't like
Nothing!
My overall impression
A snapshot of homelessness told beautifully and with utter humanity. The Vanlyfe team took an ambitious project and knocked it out of the park. Not simply a performance – an immersive experience – with an important and effective message.
