What I liked
This show takes a very serious, real problem and explains it in a way that every one—even entitled millennials—can understand. Because it’s only 30 minutes, there are no lulls or fillers here. Just 3 characters with 3 very clear points of view. Very well done.
What I didn't like
Honestly, I felt the entire show flowed really well. Nothing more was needed. It’s short, but well executed.
My overall impression
“No Joke” was a powerful statement about the current status of our country. It’s a direct reflection of us as Americans. We can empathize, and feel bad…but we’ll never truly understand what it means to be an immigrant in this country.
In the first half of “No Joke,” we meet Sofia, a DACA recipient who’s currently being held in a detention camp due to our poorly executed system. Because of the United States’ disorganization. Sofia faces the threat of deportation to Mexico, a country she has seen very little of. Sofia, in every way except on paper, is American. Watching Sofia (Alexa Rocabado) explain to Madison (Gina Omilon) what her life is like.
Later, we see entitled millennial, Madison, in an Uber/Lyft. She meets Lorenzo, (Nicola Tombacco) an Italian/American who tries to shed some light on what it’s like to be an immigrant in this country. Lorenzo gives the audience a sense of relief, as he tells Madison what we’ve been wanting to tell her since this show started—that she’s ignorant.
Overall, it really makes you think about what our perception is of our country. “Land of the Free” and “Greatest Country On Earth” are just slogans.
Who are we, really?
