Review: MUSHROOM - People’s Light, Philadelphia
Photo credit: Mark Garvin
People’s Light presents the world premiere of Mushroom, an original play from Pulitizer Prize finalist and Mare of Easttown case member Eisa Davis. This brilliant and provocative play takes place in the sleepy hamlet of Kennet Square, Pennsylvania (just outside the hustle and bustle of urban Philadelphia). For those who don’t know, Kennet Square is the multimillionare dollar mushroom farming capital of the world, growing up to 80% of the mushrooms eaten in the United States. This story is about the people who grow these mushrooms, and the pickers, and the packers. It intersects the lives of immigrants and good ole’ boy farmers in a story that is designed to bring connection to all of those involved.
Mushroom follows the intersecting stories of seven characters and a third party omniscient (or narrator) as a workplace injury, an unexpected romance and the looming presence of immigration authority (ICE) collide and have staggering ramifications on the entire community of Kennet Square. The writer, Eisa Davis, said: “This play is for our undocumented who withstand dangerous crossings, deleterious working conditions, poverty, and the threat of deportation in order to make a new life on this land.” This is the quintessential American dream and it is the hope that can keep an entire community going through the most deplorable situations. We celebrate as characters earn their green cards and visas and cry when they are deported. The story weaves in real organisations that work in the community such as LCH Health and Community Services and Casa Gaunajuato, which bring health care and a celebration of Hispanic heritage. A portion of the proceeds is donated to them, as well as The Garage Community and Youth Center and Alianzas de Phoenixville. While there is certainly sorrow, rage and grief in Mushroom, there is also joy and love and a loving sense of welcoming and belonging.
Another standing ovation must be given to the cast and crew who have worked tirelessly over the course of almost 10 years to pull Mushroom together and didn’t let a little old worldwide pandemic stand in the way. When patrons could not come to the theatre, People’s Light brought the theatre to the people. They participated in socially distanced community events to enrich the story with more local flavour and brilliance. This year, the team regrouped in the mushroom farms to create the beautiful story we see onstage. Thank you and congratulations to Ahsan Ali as Natarajan, Janice Amaya as the Third Party Omniscient, Laura Crotte as Letty, Todd Lawson as Tyler, Maribel Martinez as Rain, Michael G. Martinez as Ignacio, Kenia Munguia as Edit, and Angel Sigala as Epifanio. This is a true work of blood, sweat and tears.
Every detail of Mushroom is filled with such caring perfection. When you enter the theatre, you are welcomed by an art installation designed by Santiago Tonauac Castro Bahena which brings the vibrant and beautiful colours of Mexico to the Philadelphia suburbs. The concession stand has imported and homemade Mexican treats for sale, such as horchata and chicharrones with mild, hot, or hotter sauce to douse them in. The theatre itself is packed tight, but masks are required so everyone is kept safe. The actors come in from all directions and it is quite immersive with dramatic lighting and sound (designed by Cha See and David Molina). Parts of the play are in English (with Spanish translations portrayed on the walls) and when the patients speak Spanish, the English is on the wall, thanks to translation by Georgina Escobar. Every detail is carefully thought out and designed for you to “listen not just with your ears but with your whole body” as one of the main characters says in the beginning of Mushroom.
Thought provoking and inspiring.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Jamie Flowers
Mushroom plays at People’s Light until 16 October, with tickets available here.