Not My Grandmother's Daughter

Solo Show · flourishing house · Ages 10+ · United States of America

one person show world premiere
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Review by CRYSTAL HALL

June 24, 2023 certified reviewer
tagged as: star · Talent · touching · whimsical · creative · family · Grandmother · puppetry · shadow

What I liked

It’s not often these days that you come across shadow puppetry, so I was delighted by the unique expression. I loved that the props so perfectly matched the theme of the play, as well as the setting and time period being portrayed. The screen made out of the vintage luggage was such a creative and beautiful way to display the shadows. But it didn’t stop there… I appreciated the dynamic staging done with 2 screens and various props to use that made the stage feel bigger and more intimate, all at once. I loved so much!

What I didn't like

I only wanted it to be longer. I saw it twice and still wanted more. I feel like there is more to tell and I hope to see her return soon.

My overall impression

I was blown away by the thoughtful vulnerability put into this solo show. The story was intimate and performed in such a brilliant way, that I found myself laughing and then crying. I haven’t longed for my own past a familial bonds like that in a while, but she effortlessly brought that out, even though telling a story that was not my own (and frankly quite different than mine). I felt that it was approached with such creativity through using a recording of the grandmother and weaving her words into this personal story of how she feels like her grandmother shaped her life. It was touching, poignant and timeless. I felt so lucky to have been taken on this magical and meaningful story, and in such an intimate setting.

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