The Heart Sellers
Lloyd Suh's play The Heart Sellers is a heartwarming and funny portrayal of the immigrant experience of Luna and Jane, two relatable characters who move to the United States and are forced into an isolated situation where they have to adapt culturally. Director Helen Young captures the essence of Suh's portrayal of these two immigrants navigating the challenges of acclimating to a new society, showcasing their resilience and common thread leading to an evolving friendship, even in unfamiliar circumstances. Suh's play starts in 1973 when Luna invites Jane to her home for Thanksgiving. Their husbands are interns and first-resident doctors who work long and demanding hours, including during the holidays, leaving them isolated and alone. Their conservation starts awkwardly; however, over sips of wine and a frozen turkey, barriers are removed, and they reminisce about home and their dreams, engaging with others without feeling like outsiders in a foreign land. The Heart Sellers provides a deeper look into the two ladies' journey as they learn the tapestry of American cultures, races, and customs while engaging in the nuances of disco dancing, television shows, and people to emulate in their seek to find the American Dream.
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Lloyd Suh's play is rooted in the historical significance of the "Hart-Celler Act," a landmark law that dramatically transformed immigration policies in the United States. Enacted on October 3, 1965, under the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson, this act removed discriminatory practices within the nation's immigration system. Before the Hart-Celler Act, U.S. immigration laws were heavily biased towards Northern European countries, enforcing quotas that severely restricted entries from Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia, and other non-white regions. By dismantling the national origin quotas established in the 1920s, the Hart-Celler Act opened new avenues for diversity, abolishing national origin, race, and ancestry as criteria for immigration eligibility and allowing a diversity of cultures, traditions, and experiences to flow into the United States. He intertwines the contentious leadership of three notable presidents: Richard Nixon of the United States, Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines, and Park Chung-hee of South Korea. Nixon found himself ensnared in the political fallout of the Watergate scandal, a crisis that would shake public trust and lead to his eventual resignation. Meanwhile, Marcos imposed martial law in the Philippines, a drastic measure that stifled dissent and removed civil liberties during a time of political unrest. Simultaneously, Park Chung-hee rose to power through a military coup, establishing a regime marked by authoritarian rule.
This compelling play will pull at all the strings of your emotions while offering a deep and resonant understanding of immigrants' challenges as they leave their contentious country, seeking refuge in the United States. It will evoke a profound empathy for their plight and their dream-like, enthusiastic aspirations for a better life. The play poignantly explores immigrants' struggles, characterizing their heart-wrenching decision to "sell" their hearts to a new land. In their quest for acceptance, Suh's play details the profound emotional toll Luna and Jane endure as they discuss leaving their homeland and culture, revealing wholehearted feelings of isolation and uncertainty, particularly when the new culture doesn't seem to embrace them. Aja Alcazar and Seoyoung Park delivered remarkable performances as Luna and Jane. Their initial encounter, marked by awkwardness and misunderstandings, is gleefully changed when they share a bottle of wine, breaking down their communication barriers and cultural differences. Alcazar and Park's engaging charisma and chemistry on stage provide a delightful, emotional night of joy and laughter, combined with an enthralling sense of sorrow that's unforgettable. This one-hour and 35-minute film is captivating and will bring you to tears as these two ladies' desire for companionship helps them navigate their struggles, forging a connection that transcends their different cultural backgrounds.
⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
Northlight Theatre
The Heart Sellers
By Lloyd Suh
Directed by Helen Young
January 23 - February 23, 2025
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