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A hidden gem about the relationship between three East Asian women and their mother’s.Summary
Rating
Good
What do a red dress, a sewing machine and a magic rice cooker all have in common? They are all aspects which remind three young east Asian women of their mother’s in the production of Hi, Mom. The show tells three different stories of three young women, played by Isa Huiling Liu, Mika Shirahama and Shuyi Alice Wang, who have moved away from their home country to live in the UK. Although all three women come from various east Asian backgrounds, the connection each has with their mother binds the trio together.
Hi, Mom begins with various clothes stacked on stage. At first the pile appears to be nothing more than a prop on stage. However, soon the clothes begin to move as it becomes clear that there is a person beneath. The person emerges slowly out of the clothes, almost as if a birth is being witnessed. From then on the show begins to unfold as each woman recounts their relationship with their mother, each in a different artistic manner.
The personalities of the women and their mother’s shine through each of their own individual performances. Two tell their stories through narration, while the third tells her story through subtle mime. Each story is beautifully told as each actress uses the stage, lighting and props in different ways. After each story is told, the women talk with each other about their relationship with their culture, where they grew up and, of course, their mother’s. Hi Mom is not a singular narrative, but rather three narratives which come together as a collective recount.
This collective narrative is apparent with the attire worn by each. Throughout all three wear the same outfit. However, upon telling their different stories they put on and take off different items of clothing depending on whether they are adhering or rebelling to their mother’s wishes.
While each story is unique and beautiful in its own way, each feels capable of being an entire production in its own right. With Hi Mom being just one hour, the three stories seem to be previews of far more rich and complex stories which are yet to be unveiled. It could easily be developed into a longer piece with more depth into the lives of each women and their relationships with their mothers. There’s certainly a desire to hear more. For instance, it touches a little on how the women see themselves as different then their mothers and different from the way their mother’s wanted them to be, demonstrating a balance between the strict expectations of their mother’s along with a loving and nurturing side as well.
With its elegant writing, profound acting and gorgeous storytelling, Hi Mom truly has potential to expand even further, and the stories of the red dress, the sewing machine and the magic rice cooker can say more about the women and their relationships with their mothers.
Directed by: Yahan Xue
Co-Directors: Isa Huiling Liu, Mika Shirahama, Shuyi AliceWang
Produced by: Jiewei Huang
Set and Lighting Design by: Zidi Wu
Sound Design by: Summer Yahan Xue
Hi Mom has completed its current run.
