Mizuhiki
This quickly became one of my favorite shows of the festival this year. It was vulnerable in a way that felt generous instead of self-indulgent. The tension between two people of differing cultural identities, and different ACCESS to their own cultural identities was so deeply relatable. Both Kenneth and Ayako's performances are beautifully simple, yet nuanced and raw. Such stunning work!
Wow, probably the best dramatic performance I've seen this Fringe! And it's been a competitive year. The performance was captivating, well paced, and the story was powerful and relevant to people from all cultures (even though hit a little too close to home!)
Very well produced and directed. Story speaks to the challenges of multi-cultural relationships and difficulties encountered over time. Communication and understanding is so important in any relationship. Highly recommend this show for any couple who is married or cohabiting. We can all relate regardless of the situation.
A beautiful script, beautifully performed.
First the script, which is polished, well developed, and snappy. The script grapples with the effects of culture in relationship and it does so with a nuance and a heart that I appreciated. So often culture is seen as protocol, ritual, and action. This script moves past that to look at values, hopes, expectations, and ways of being in the world that all too often simply lurk outside the edges of our conscious thoughts.
Next the performances, which were solid, embodied, and brought a conviction and power to the characters that left me bouncing between hope, hopelessness, sympathy for one then the other, then for them both.
Lastly, my take home. I left the theatre reflecting on my own cultural heritages and how they have impacted my way of being in the world... and wanting to know some more about the ones I know least.
My favourite show so far this Fringe year.
This glimpse into how identity and culture shape us but also how we shape each other. Brought me to tears.
Really good story, acting, and writing. Beautifully told a story of a marriage that almost got destroyed by cultural ideals and insecurities. I love listening to the beautiful Japanese language and the funny "bad mandarin".
I very much enjoyed this short play. The acting was great and the story so felt so real. I highly recommend it.