What I liked
There are so many things to like. I think the thing that stood out to me the most was how Nilsa approached her work as a whole. With most performances in general, there is the frenetic/desperate energy of wanting to put on a good show, not forgetting lines, and worrying about what could go wrong. But I did not get a sense of that at all. Nilsa came in with this confidence that is so rare and delicious. It was clear this show wasn’t meant for anybody’s approval but her own and there was a wonderful sense of ease and freedom in that. In particular, moyamoya affects her memory and the solution to have the scripts on the stage to assist when she needed it was genius. It didn’t hurt the performance, but instead added to it. Because we get to be unapologetically, fully immersed in her world. There is absolutely no air of pretentiousness. She is inviting us in while she tells her story—raw and as-is. I loved it!
What I didn't like
If anything I wish we have gotten to know more about how she feels about moyamoya within herself and how she sat with it. We are taken through her journey of receiving the diagnosis and the fear and confusion around that. And then we jump to her day-to-day life post diagnosis and how that affects her dating life and the people around her, but I wonder if there is an opportunity for a more private moment of inner dialogue, without the influences of other characters in her life. Was there a moment of identity crisis, perhaps? Kind of exploring a transformation or transition. Of course, that is incredibly personal and deeply vulnerable since it is a personal story, so if the choice is to not include it absolutely respect and understand. It is definitely not needed to enjoy this show!
My overall impression
Nilsa takes us on a journey of radical acceptance: overcoming hardship in a way that is both heartfelt and deeply funny. She takes us on a wild ride of embracing the new challenges of her Moyamoya diagnosis—professionally, romantically, and artistically. I learned a lot about moyamoya and I’m really glad I saw this show! It was great would recommend and would love to know if it has any future plans.
