Achintya Pandey and Pia Shah (Photo by M Palma Photography)
Reviewed by Odalys Nanin
Artists at Play and Latino Theater Company
Thru Nov. 16
RECOMMENDED
An Indian immigrant/single mother Neha (Pia Shah) and her 17-years-old American born son, Neel (Achintya Pandey), set out on a trip from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. to visit different universities. Neel wants to go to college on the East Coast but his mom Neha wants him to stay near her in Southern California. She fears losing her son completely and embarks on a quest to show him how important it is to not just to speak Hindi but to feel proud of his cultural roots. In the nation’s capitol, she wants to show him the famous Hope Blue Diamond, an Indian jewel on the display at the Smithsonian.
Ankita Raturi has written a funny, heartfelt tale of the intergenerational tensions that arise when an immigrant mother tries to instill in her son a cultural identity that embarrasses him. Shah’s portrayal of Neha is charming, delivering her lines with comedic timing and precision. Her performance drives the pacing of the play and it’s complemented by Pandey’s portrayal of Neel, whose character is simply trying to deal with his very controlling mother. He just wants to get this trip over with as soon as possible while his mother wants it to be an adventure. Through the humor, and as their relationship unfolds, we come to realize that Neel is truly Neha’s Blue Hope diamond.
The third actor is Parvesh Cheena who shines playing multiple roles with charm and flair —from an airline steward, a taxi driver, a gas attendant, a tour guide, a waiter, and more.
The smart set design by Leah Ramillano creates multiple locations as panels on wheels, on platforms that roll in and out with ease. Szu-Yun Wang lighting design sets the mood of each scene. Lily Tung Cristal’s direction keeps the piece light on its feet. The most poignant moment of the play is a monologue by Neha, so beautifully delivered by Shah: “I failed to give you what my mother so easily gave to me,” she laments.
But did she really? This turning point provides a must-see moment in this tender play.
Artists at Play and Latino Theatre Company at The Los Angeles Theater Center 514 S. Spring St. Dwntwn.; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 4 pm; thru Nov. 16. www.latinotheaterco.org Running time: 90 minutes, no intermission
