Vanlyfe

ground score productions · Ages 13+ · 90 mins · United States of America

Content Warning world premiere
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vanlyfe

Review by DOROTHY MARIE

July 01, 2024 certified reviewer

What I liked

I was nearly moved to tears when the audience got up to push the van. Becca’s performance as Willow was so powerful and gave a voice to the voiceless. I love that the show was provocative enough to take my semi-conservative mother to (;D) and open up important conversations, but not so politically charged that it put her on the defensive end and unable to engage in the message. I also loved the inclusion of hygiene kits to take home because I have made similar kits before with my community but always wondered if they were actually helpful or more annoying “stuff” that my unhoused neighbors didn’t really need. I’m glad to know that they are good conversation starters and am more excited to hand them out moving forward.

What I didn't like

It was a fabulous show, no notes!!!

My overall impression

Vanlyfe was moving, hilarious, poignant, and needed beyond words. The parking lot venue choice was spot on and put us right in the middle of “the scene of the crime”, as the cast paused for road rage, random street shouting, and loud music at times. I was incredibly moved by the interactive aspects of the show, including the ritual of sharing food throughout to demonstrate the community nature that unhoused people display so well. I learned so much about an experience that I have been fortunate enough not to experience (so far), and I am very grateful to the entire team for opening up their hearts so hospitably with this show.

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