Giorgi of the Jungle
Holy Trinity Anglican Chruch
4 Stars
Growing up is a tough gig, but for a little girl it’s even harder when body shaming is involved.
St. Albert playwright, Lynda Celantano, sets Giorgi of the Jungle in the 1980s and draws from her Italian heritage. It’s a story of immigration and how young first-generation Canadians attempt to balance their parents’ traditions with societal expectations in a new country.
Giorgi believes she’s fitting in at school until one of her schoolmates draws a picture of her with a unibrow and other unwanted hair on her face. The young girl is embarrassed and rushes home to fix the problem, only making it worse — much worse.
Even though her two older sisters can be bossy, they come rushing to her aid. Marcella, the oldest, more feminine sister, completely supports Giorgi’s desire to look her best. Instead Adele, the middle sister, has a tough-guy personality and is very protective. She offers to punch out the person who made Giorgi cry.
Giorgi’s shaming is the catalyst that prompts the sisters and their mother to open up about personal experiences that humiliated and hurt them.
St. Albert’s Kristen Throndsen as Giorgi creates a fully fleshed young girl who is hurt and confused by the outside world, yet relieved at the support she receives from family. Miracle Mopera gives Marcella’s character a sassy vibe, while Jason Hardwick as Adele delivers the wittiest lines. And Antonella Cascione is every inch the Italian mother, both loving and demanding.
Giorgi of the Jungle is funny, heartfelt and emotional. There is none of the outlandish energy of some Fringe plays. Yet it has the quiet power to move us in a personal way.
