By Annie Chan
Aurorae Khoo’ new dark comedy Fayette Nam is a rare gem, bridging cross-cultural barriers with a grace every American should observe.
The play features a first generation Chinese immigrant mother and her rebellious pyromaniac, ivy-league bound daughter’s love triangle with a young black soldier gone AWOL before he’s deported to Iraq. Their triangle love affair is the strongest mechanism used to keep the audience in their seats for these three characters’ intimate pursuit to resolve this complex relationship.
Lisa Kang, who plays the mother, pulls off an amazing portrayal of the southern belle. Kathleen Mendoza’s role is over exaggerated at times leaving audience to question her direction in the play. Jon Gentry’s representation as an Oakland native and young soldier gone AWOL lacked refinement but he manages to capture the innocence of a boy not yet a man. Kenneth Ronquillo’s small role as a mama’s boy is a well-portrayed key element of the play, representing the love and courage the other main character’s seek.
Khoo effectively challenges her audience to answer her question: “Will they discover what they are each looking for before it’s too late?” Fayette Nam’s trailer doesn’t do half the justice they should deserves. This play is a diamond in the rough waiting to be discovered.
The play is running now until July 11 at the Thick House, 1695 18th Street. For more information call 415-401-8081 or visit www.thickhouse.org
