What I liked
Everything!
What I didn't like
Nothing!
My overall impression
There’s a phrase among East Asian women: “We cry tears of blood.” It’s not an exaggeration, but rather a painfully accurate reflection of the lived experiences of women navigating war, immigration, and patriarchal, male-dominated societies. In Thin Blood Memorabilia, Skylar Shen takes that generational grief and transforms it—through astonishing creativity—into something achingly modern, visually stunning, and emotionally hypnotic.
Every element of this piece is meticulously crafted. From the movement of a single finger to the placement of each prop, nothing feels accidental. The use of red—red apples, a red telephone, a red tablecloth—beautifully connects the past to the present, symbolizing memory, pain, and longing. Even the projection of slides onto Shen’s face is executed with such precision that it feels like choreography.
Shen’s performance is not just technically masterful—it’s soul-baring. Her earnest, unwavering presence on stage completely overwhelmed me. I found myself whispering “wow” over and over in my mind, stunned by the control, detail, and heart she poured into every moment.
It’s a masterclass in solo performance that leaves a mark—and lingers long after the lights go down.
