An insightful look at multiculturalism that draws you in instantly and is relatable across the generations
Karoline Palacios Jørgensen’s debut play opened to an almost full theatre. Exploring the lives of three women spanning 3 generations, we see their struggles with identity and values.
Two separate sets form the backdrop for the play; one in 2023 London, the other in 1992 Columbia. One set is in a teenager’s bedroom, the other is a cosy vibrant living room, highlighting the stark contrast between the 2 cultures. This clever use of space allows for seamless non-linear storytelling and allows for the individual stories to play out alongside each other. The use of a spotlight to pull focus to the current timeline added to the ease of the storytelling and the costume of the mother changing through the timelines also helped place when the story was being told. Her costume also highlighted how her identity changed when she moved and became settled in London, disconnecting from her heritage.
Humor is present throughout and the opening scene of the granddaughter trying to figure out how to use a cassette player via Youtube was unbelievably realistic and hilarious, highlighting the nostalgia of the 90’s and how Gen Z missed out on such childhood delights. Amongst the humor we see the relationship between the grandmother and her daughter become strained and an unsaid goodbye as the daughter leaves for London is the driving force for the breakdown of the relationship, leaving the granddaughter questioning her identity and where she fits in as she unravels her family’s past through a collection of cassette tapes. A heartfelt discussion happens between the daughter and granddaughter addressing these issues with the intent of resolving the lack of connection between the two cultures.
The performances are well balanced and complimented each character with neither storyline the focus, allowing the space for each individual story to be told. The characters though connected to each other via a cassette player, highlights the lack of connection and grief that all 3 women feel and the impact that it has on their day-to-day life.
An insightful piece about multiculturalism, identity, regret and how many things left unsaid can change the course. In some ways the play also loosely touches on redemption. The play is one that draws you in instantly and is relatable across the generations. A well thought out approach to non-linear storytelling that allows the audience to follow the story and piece everything together.