Ah, family. Every father and child of at least teen age will be able to identify with Moxie Theatre’s latest show, playwright Anna Ouyang Moench’s “Birds of America.” The show, set in Maryland, is produced in partnership with the San Diego Audubon Society.
On one level, the show is about the joint birdwatching of John (Mike Sears), a dad of middle age, and his daughter Caitlin (Farah Dinga). John is committed to those elusive birds, even to the extent of taking notes on everything he sees. He’s been doing this all day, every day for years and has become very good at it.
Caitlin also likes birds, and goes out watching with him most days. She also has learned well how to find and identify the elusive winged creatures.
But now she has other things on her mind. She likes to write, is writing a book, and and has become concerned about climate change. She also really wants to be a mother, but after five miscarriages, is distraught at being forced to give up that dream.
Dad, as usual, misses the chance to connect, making fun of her writing and tossing a statistic at her: 50% of pregnancies end in miscarriages. This is the beginning of a stream of missed opportunities to connect on both parts.
Caitlin is disappointed, but continues to try to connect, suggesting at one point that “I think you should try to enjoy life more,” mentioning that the family might go on a short trip together. He replies that “it’s not nice to travel for no reason.”
This is all fascinating if difficult to watch, and will leave playgoers with much to ponder in their own lives.
The show wouldn’t be as impressive as it is without the redoubtable acting of both characters. Sears is well known to local audiences and has done a great deal of television as well. His dad Mike is very recognizable.
Dinga is a locally-based Pakistani-Queer actor who trained at the University of California at San Diego, and has also acted at many local theaters. Her disappointment as Caitlyn is palpable.
Both will draw you in and make you feel their pain.
Special kudos to the technical experts in this show. The stage is covered with lovely fall-look red leaves and trees created by scenic designer Robin Sanford Roberts. Danita Lee’s costumes look authentic, and the show benefits from excellent lighting (by Joshua Heming) and sound (by Matt Lescault-Wood). Bravo also to scenic artist Julie Lorenz and technical director Robert Malave.
Director Lisa Berger keeps the characters real and the tension level high.
You may be relieved to leave the theater, but you will have been given lots of food for thought and topics to discuss with fellow theatergoers later.
Don’t miss this show.
The details
“Birds of North America” plays through March 5, 2023 at Moxie Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego.
Shows Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m.
Tickets: boxoffice@moxietheatre.com
Covid-19 policy: Masks and proof of vaccination may be required for entry. Visit website for the latest policy updates.
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