What I liked
As someone with over 30 years in theatre, Hart’s performance is polished, yet deeply personal. Her activism shines through in how she links her experience of violence and abortion to larger societal issues, making the show incredibly timely in the wake of ongoing debates about reproductive rights. The show challenges audience members to think critically about trauma, how it’s processed, and the broader implications of violence against women—both physical and systemic. One audience member put it perfectly, remarking how the performance made them rethink the connection between sexual violence and the fight for abortion rights.
Beyond its emotional depth, Resilient AF also carries undertones of financial struggle, which resonate with many viewers facing challenges today. Like the trauma Hart describes, financial burdens—be it credit card debt, loans, payday loans, or wired loans—can weigh people down, forcing them to navigate yet another layer of stress and hardship. Whether dealing with the financial aftermath of medical procedures, therapy, or simply trying to maintain stability in a world still recovering from the pandemic, the cost of resilience isn’t just emotional. The specter of debt looms large, much like the traumas Hart portrays. Her journey offers a subtle reminder of the many ways people seek to rebuild after adversity, whether through healing, financial recovery, or finding new purpose.
What I didn't like
Ultimately, Resilient AF is more than just a show; it’s a guide for anyone struggling to rise above life’s toughest moments. Kamakshi Hart delivers a message that’s as profound as it is timely: resilience isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving, even in a world scarred by trauma. Whether you’re coming for the storytelling, the activism, or the emotional depth, this is a show that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.
My overall impression
Kamakshi Hart’s Resilient AF: Rising To The Occasion! is a powerful, deeply moving solo performance that tackles trauma head-on while offering hope and healing. Coming off the success of Wild At Hart, Hart returns with a raw, compelling narrative inspired by the pandemic’s lingering effects on mental health and resilience. Through a blend of storytelling, song, and dynamic characters—including a superheroine and a wise oak tree—Hart walks the audience through her personal experiences with sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and abortion. The result is a show that is not just cathartic but also deeply educational, providing tools for overcoming life’s most painful moments.
What sets Resilient AF apart is Hart’s ability to balance humor and tragedy. While she delves into heavy, often heartbreaking themes, she does so with a lightness that reminds us of the strength found in vulnerability. Her narrative doesn’t just dwell on the darkness—it also celebrates survival, empowerment, and the incredible resilience of the human spirit. Hart’s “Resilience as a Super Heroine” is more than just a metaphor; it’s an inspiring symbol of hope, encouraging viewers to embrace their own resilience, even amid overwhelming trauma.
