Review by Jeanne Kinley Deller:
Bursting with elevated energies and explosive family dynamics, Familiar is one of those theatrical experiences not likely to be soon forgotten. Familiar’s talented playwright Danai Gurira, takes the audience into the home of a Zimbabwean/Midwestern-American family gathering. 

The cast of eight actors is superb in their portrayal of diversity, intensity, and varying objectives within the seemingly settled household and extended family. As events surrounding the upcoming wedding of the oldest daughter become increasingly chaotic, the audience is in for some wild and crazy antics. (Not for young children, by the way!)

This theatrical glimpse into the lives of first-generation immigrants is exemplary in reaching out to audiences who have so much to gain through greater understanding of others’ history, culture, and perspective. Thanks to Seattle Rep for, once again, gifting Seattle with these kinds of rich experiences.
Familiar plays now through May 27th at Seattle Repertory Theatre. Tickets here.

*****

Audiences may know playwright Danai Gurira as the writer of Tony-Award winning play Eclipse or may recognize her from her roles as Michonne in the television show The Walking Dead or her role as Okoye in the recent blockbuster hit Black Panther

Photo by Navid Baraty