What I liked
I appreciated that the artists were involved in each other’s pieces as it felt very community-oriented and supportive. I felt that Edie’s piece “I Release” was very captivating, told a great personal story, and showcased some beautiful dance/movement. I also really enjoyed Gina’s “Word Vomit” as it felt very fresh and honest. There were many beautiful moments throughout the show!
What I didn't like
The audio was extremely loud at some points (especially at the alarm clock). I think it could have been turned down quite a bit so we don’t get taken out of the performance. Some of the actors spoke at a lower volume, which made it hard to hear/understand. I think if everyone could match Edie’s stage voice, that would be great!
I felt like most of the pieces were simply answering the question “What is my reason for living?” and not actually touching upon the concept of Ikigai, which is something much more expansive. When borrowing a concept from a different culture, I think it’s important to explore it more thoroughly and make sure its meaning is truly understood and conveyed. Most people talked about what they love and what they’re good at, and if they could incorporate more elements of why the world needs it, that could make the theme more prevalent.
My overall impression
I really liked the format of the show, the strong female cast, and the fact that it was a collaborative effort among all the artists involved.
