What I liked
I have endless respect for anyone who is impeccable at their craft, as Mary is! The writing has such a high level of excellence and Mary’s delivery is immaculate. We laughed, we cried, and went through dozens of emotions. The production was also uniquely immersive, with images that did a great job of giving a sense of the environments in each scene. Also the character voices were so endearing!
What I didn't like
I hope this show gets an extended run somewhere so that more people’s lives can be changed by seeing it.
My overall impression
Mary Basmadjian is a TREASURE and one of the most IMPORTANT voices of our community. (What did we do to deserve such a great person in our orbit??)
First of all, this show is heartwarming and hilarious, with brilliant storytelling. On a deeper level, Mary is doing such important work by bringing up nuanced dialogue about life in a diaspora community, which is essential viewing not just for Armenians but any “third culture kid” who knows what it’s like to live at the intersections. Being a cycle breaker is the big work of our generation in this moment in time. This show (and a lot of Mary’s other work) is a blueprint of how to live with grace.
Mary’s power and resilience are reminders of the beauty and challenges that shape who we are, and what life looks like when we aspire to heal. The show left a lasting impression and I’ll be reflecting on it long after leaving the theater. It is a must-see for this festival!!!
