Five separate stories reflect the contrasting positions of Americans in today’s socio political environment. From unity to division, What Survives is an answer to crackdown on immigration by the current administration.
10-year-old Isabella has been abducted by ICE from her elementary school. Her Cuban-American father Eduardo (Randy Gonzalez) confronts Calvin (Steve Fite), the White school’s principal. Isabella is nowhere to be found and Eduardo demands answers. One of the highlights of the tense exchange is the revelation by Calvin that the federal funding is contingent on the school’s cooperation with ICE. Although rare, there have been some documented cases where ICE agents have detained minors and have sent them to detention facilities. This is a consequence of the revocation of Sensitive Locations Memorandum, which excluded schools, hospitals, and places of worship from immigration enforcement. The scene describes the frustration and the powerlessness—or complicit attitude—of the principal. You decide.
The play is presented in vignettes that explore the modern-day immigration experience in the U.S. and the reaction of Americans to some of the most extreme federal policies. The scenes delve into the full adoption of AI, the citizen’s concerns of such technology, the concerns of two veterans about the future amid the widespread tolerance of racism, and one case in which a trans woman is going going to through a forced detransition, an example of the country’s movement towards conservatism.
The most striking depiction of the acute division of the country is the couple arguing about Trump’s administration policies on immigration. Julie (Rachael Meyers), who is White, is married to Gabriel (Greg Mathis Jr.), who is Black. Gabriel supports Trump’s immigration enforcement while Julie disapproves of it. The argument heats up and more things are revealed about the shifting perceptions of what America is and what it should be.
With splashes of experimental theatre, What Survives takes a clear position on the current state of affairs and the angst and extremism lurking beneath our feet. Meyers uses Isabella as a connective tissue to link the lives and experiences of individuals who are trying to make sense, if any, of the turmoil around them. The noises of fireworks in the background during the veterans’ scene (Shereen Khan, Homie Doroodian) seems symbolic, representing the increasingly loud noise in the background of our lives.
And the rockets’ red glareThe bombs bursting in airGave proof through the nightThat our flag was still there
Is the noise that we hear proof that our flag is still there? You might agree or disagree with what you see and hear in this play, but Mayer will shake you up and make you analyze not only what’s out there, but maybe even more importantly, what’s inside of you. There is a lot of depth into the stories in this play; they’re glimpses of Meyers’ skills as a storyteller, performer, and director. And that’s the great thing about Fringe. It allows all of these creatives to sharpen, experiment, and exhibit the things they’re capable of in a less restrictive environment. Just make sure to get the heck out of the theatre as soon as the show ends. This is Fringe, and Fringe moves fast.
What Survives
The Broadwater (Second Stage)
6320 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Saturday, June 6 at 9 :00pm
Thursday, June 11 at 8 :00pm
Sunday, June 14 at 12 :30pm
Thursday, June 18 at 11 :00pm
Friday, June 26 at 10 :00pm
Tickets: hollywoodfringe.org/projects/14386
Written and Directed by Rachael Meyers
Cast: Carolyn Mignini as Alice, Lydia Tinsley as Willow, Randy Gonzalez as Eduardo, Steve Fite as Calvin, Rachael Meyers as Julie, Greg Mathis Jr. as Gabriel, Shereen Khan as Masoumeh, Homie Doroodian as Naser, Sarahbeth Zohrehvand as Kat, and Shariffe Rahming as Lucas.
Creative team: Costume Design by Mylette Nora, original music by composer Dan Burdman, and props and graphic design by Kristen Maloney. Angelica Estevez will serve as stage manager, and Robert Zambrano as assistant stage manager.
