Black Fish
The story held in immigration detention, a young woman and a border officer become trapped in a surreal confrontation shaped by war, memory, and displacement. Blending storytelling, movement, and poetic imagery, Black Fish explores what we carry when we leave home behind.
What, exactly, is “Black Fish” about? A man driven to insanity by the lingering trauma of war, unraveling under the weight of his past? A woman searching for refuge, though there’s no way to ever truly outrun humanity’s demons? Perhaps Black Fish is meant to sing the familiar melody of losing to a system designed to “bring you success.”
The beauty of this production lies in the interpretation left to the viewer’s own experiences. As soon as co-stars Sima Sheibani and Ohad Winkler stepped onto the stage, the entire audience was captivated. Everything about the scene was beautifully crafted: the frame created by the lighting, the cinematic build-up, and the dive into the characters’ lives. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat, eager to get closer to the scene, as I imagine many other audience members did.
Everything was intentional. It was a bittersweet reminder of humanity’s flaws, our desire to connect with one another, and the psychology behind self-preservation. People are capable of change, though you can never pull their minds from their hearts. What I admired most was how everything had a purpose. Not a single word was wasted; everything connected in a perfectly symmetrical circle. Every line was intentional and rhythmic, as were every prop, set piece, and movement. There were moments I forgot to blink, so caught up in the raw emotion of the show. It was moving.
If there were an option to rate Black Fish beyond five stars, I would be delighted to do so. While the themes are heavy and laid on thick, the production perfectly portrays real-world experiences for a vast majority of humankind. I hope it receives the acknowledgement it deserves.