Author: Albus Wang (ins: @albusw)
Published on: August 31, 2023
Bottom line: a funny and thrilling journey about the searching of one’s identity apart from family and society.
Directed by Jessica Hanna, the world premiere of ‘Hungry Ghost’ at Skylight Theatre is a suspenseful comedy with some psychological twists, leaving the audience with cathartic relief and a sense of hope.
In ‘Hungry Ghost’, the playwright Lisa Sanaye Dring explores layers of identity with Dean, the protagonist, an Asian American lesbian woman who is becoming a mother. Coming back to the house where Dean grew up with her brother and mother, she encounters an angry and frustrated stranger who is her future child when she still has unresolved grief about her mother’s passing. Through a theatrical presentation, three generations come together in the same house where Dean is forced to face trauma and pain of all generations head on. As the story progresses, Dean realizes that what happened between Dean and her mother will duplicate between Dean and her future child. While being called to the nature, Dean has to digest the fact that the cycle of trauma will likely to keep repeats itself in the family if she doesn’t change they way she lives.
Being queer is ordinary in ‘Hungry Ghost”. For a story with a queer protagonist, it’s refreshing to see the storyline isn’t mainly based on Dean’s queerness. According to Dring, “queerness isn’t a theme but is alive” in the story. In ‘Hungry Ghost’, queerness isn’t an issue but merely one part of Dean’s identity. Dean’s sexuality might have been one of the elements that affected her relationship with her mother, but she doesn’t question her queerness at all during the play. Her same-sex relationship with her partner is treated as a part of their life instead of something that needs validation. Queerness is embedded but not pronounced.
Cleverly crafted set design works perfectly with lighting and sound design transforming the space from thrilling to moody and to seemingly mundane. There were several times when the whole atmosphere of the theatre altered in a split second. The set serves the storytelling by blurring the line between society and nature, interpersonal and intrapersonal, ego and higher self, further exploring the theme of belonging and alienation. The design elements elevated my experience as an audience member and contributed to a well-rounded production. The thought and creativity put into the production are remarkable.
The ensemble is also well cast. Jennifer Soo masterfully interpreted the layers of Dean’s identities with depths and nuances as well as her long-standing internal struggles. Ben Messmer was responsible for most of the comedic effect in the play with their dramatic but believable performance. Tasha Ames’ veteran status as an actor definitely shined on the stage of Skylight Theatre.
The comedy are sometimes awkward, especially between Dean and Amanda. Some minor plots seem a little arbitrary from time to time. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the show from beginning to end. The philosophical idea was communicated competently through all elements. I particularly appreciated how Dring choses to write Covid as part of the world making which makes me feel closer to the story.
‘Hungry Ghost’ runs until October 1, 2023 at Skylight Theatre Company(1816 ½ N. Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027). You can purchase tickets at https://skylighttheatre.org/event/hungry-ghost/