What I liked
Format of the show made it easy to follow, super-engaging and a fantastical world that immediately sucked you in.
What I didn't like
SPOILER AHEAD
I do think that some of the time spent with the ancestors was a lot of work building exposition as to who they were, and if there were a way to cut this down to give shorter vignettes between them… either that or make it a longer show with an intermission, allowing even more time to spend with the characters with a break for the audience to process what they’ve seen so far. Some of the characters’ lessons blended together as I was processing after the show, and I wanted them to be distinct and see what each person had to say.
My overall impression
WOW. Brandon Raman is a force to be reckoned with. His physical comedy, dance strength, prowess with language and ability to connect deeply are all on display at this beautiful production. Raman engages with the audience in a story that is deeply specific to his experience, which allows it to ring universally true for any and all audience members that are so lucky as to share the show with him. This show is a gift and deserves to be seen by anyone that has ever felt out of place or disconnected with their community, their identity, or their culture. A true examination on what it means to be Indian, or American, or Indian-American, or, honestly, a human being trying to navigate themselves in the modern day. Raman is the one to watch in the LA film and theater scene, and great success is on his horizon.
