By Ashlei Havili Thomas
Plan-B Theatre’s world premiere of MESTIZA, or MIXED by Melissa Leilani Larson in Salt Lake City evokes classic Americana. Everything from the Clint Eastwood western films to the protagonist’s insurmountable college debt is iconic and relatable. But how do we contrast this with the United States’ history of the constant flood of immigrants bringing their own culture, heritage, and ideas to the table? And as in the storyline of MESTIZA, or MIXED how do those elements—foreign and classic—get blended with time? The play tells the story of Lark Timon, a biracial Filipino American filmmaker trying to sort out her place not only in the film industry but also in her family, her relationship, and her heritage. Can she stitch together all these pieces of herself and be comfortable sharing them with those she cares about? With limited seating, make sure to put MESTIZA, or MIXED on your list to see this June at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center with Plan-B Theatre.
Lark Timon is a queer filmmaker returning home after finishing her graduate degree. She and her older brother Eddie live with their mother Carrie. Their younger sister Ava is helping Eddie start a Filipino-American bakery, a passion he developed while getting sober after an injury playing Minor League Baseball. Plagued by her parents’ separation, her failing career, and piles of college debt, Lark takes a chance that brings more upheaval. Will this self-reflection bring her closer to her family or tear them all apart?
Joy Asiado embodies Lark as an awkward thirty-something trying to break into the film industry with little success. Asiado has impeccable comedic timing and creates distinct relationships with each cast member, allowing for dynamic shifts between the characters through the course of the show. While anchoring the show as the family’s constant, Carlos Nobleza Posas (Eddie) shows wonderful range. Nobleza Posas gives the character depth in a surprising brevity of onstage interactions. Similarly, April Fossen as Carrie applies a veneer of motherly caring and concern while allowing the audience glimpses of the woman underneath dealing with the dissolution of her marriage and the worries over each of her children and their futures. Jayna Balzer and Lily Hye Soo Dixon as Ava and Alex respectively provide needed incentive for Lark to fully embrace her identity and place in her community. The cast is fluid and vibrant, engaging the audience’s attention without losing their focus. The cast works cohesively to allow for the audience’s reflection without becoming self-indulgent or static.
Plan-B Theatre’s black box performances are known for minimal scene design, and Iris Salazar’s design for MESTIZA, or MIXED is no exception. The backdrop and two adjoining walls have vibrant cutouts of the continents that pop against the black. With stage blocks being used to create the different locations within the world of the play, the few props (courtesy of Arika Schockmel’s design) create instant recognition for the audience as to where the scene is taking place. These elements work in tandem with the lighting design by Emma Eugenia Belnap to create numerous defined acting spaces within the theatre. It would be impossible to watch the play without the clear direction of Jerry Rapier or the safety created by intimacy director Kimi Handa Brown to smoothly thread together the scenes and actors into the story. While many companies do not use an intimacy director, Handa Brown’s influence at Plan-B Theatre is evident in the relaxed, tender moments they help facilitate.
The only thing more American than dreaming and working for a better life is the constant struggle between individuality and yearning to be part of a community. MESTIZA, or MIXED captures that poignancy in so many layers—family, culture, sexuality—while evoking the question every immigrant asks, “What does it mean to be American?” This play runs just under an hour and a half with no intermission. While this play involves themes even younger audience members can relate to, there are elements of language and racial violence that may be alarming or confusing for children so parental discretion is advised. Because of the limited seating, streaming of the play is also available during the run of the show. Please go and enjoy this production and the messy fullness that is life as a mixed race American.
Plan-B Theatre presents the world-premiere MESTIZA, or MIXED by Melissa Leilani Larson.
Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center 138 W Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
June 9-11, 16-18 8:00 PM, June 11, 18 4:00 PM, June 12, 19 2:00 PM, Streaming anytime June 15-19, 2022
Tickets: $25
Box Office: 801-355-2787 (in person) or (streaming)
Online Playbill
Plan-B Theatre Facebook Page
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