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Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
Upon arriving we see the beautiful girl on the top of stairs, sitting in a semi-hugging position, with one arm holding her shoulder and her head resting upon it, staring at a little card with different circles of colors. She has a look of someone who is lost somewhere. In addition, the scattered things on the stage suggest that we are in an asylum for the mentally challenged.
With an intimate voice she introduces herself, and immediately starts pulling us into her world. We realize that the reality of this room is all in her head and we are a part of her dream. With the intention of finding herself, she needs us to give her the paradoxical truth and the definition of reality. The raw feeling of symbolism with colors and the clock ticking suggest that our imagination has the power to create our worlds. Besides breaking the fourth wall at the very beginning as she invites someone from the audience to create a scene by following the script, a kind of cold reading, which became a great scene with attention on responsibility and moral baggage. We recognize that imagination is the very key to creating our freedom.
The experimental and avant-garde theatre that Govani's explores here is accomplished, very provocative, and somehow complicated but understandable. Interested in the perplexity of our existence who we are and why are we here, she analyzes the perception of the mind and 'addresses the impulses that drive a young woman's actions and desires, offering an introspective look at the struggles and aspirations that define her existence.'
As the producer ofCONVENIENCE, Janya Govani is also the writer and performer. 'Born in Rajkot, Gujarat, India. In her native country, she trained in theatre, dance (classical and contemporary), and music. She performed in theatre and dance in India and Thailand. She continued her training after moving to Los Angeles. She wrote, produced, and wrote the music for a short film, Rivem, in which she co-starred. She also appeared in a feature film, Jack and Lou: A Gangster Love Story.'
The Henry Murray Stage at The Matrix Theatre at 7657 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046 is a perfect space for this production and Govani's exploration in avant-garde theatre expression is inspiring and its succeeding in reaching the desired effect. She is absolutely mesmerizing to watch, a little hard to hear at times, but her invitation to where her perspective lies as a Soul, beyond this body, by collapsing time and choosing to operate from her Higher Self, is well-chosen final choice.
If you wish to visit the world beyond this 'ordinary' daily living, the regular performances continue Saturday, June 22 at 9:00 p.m.; Friday, June 28 at 9:30 p.m. As part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival this is a MUST-SEE production.
ESTIMATED RUNNING TIME: 50 minutes.
CONSUMER ADVISORY: Adult themes, nudity. Suggested for audiences age 18 to adult.
Tickets: https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/10967?embed=false&performance_id=25116&tab=performance