January

 January
Femme Collective
MultiStages
February 1, 2025 

Photo courtesy of MultiStages

The MultiStages production of January is a riveting exploration of the grief that derives from gun violence.  Playwright Paula Cizmar takes a deep dive with her two main characters.  They face the unfathomable, and don’t stop probing for an understanding of the events.  This is their biggest obstacle in seeking a path forward.  Director Lorca Peress gives space for this cast to create truthful moments and genuine characters.  The result is a sharp, rhythmic, and powerful production.

Laura (played by Alinca Hamilton) is being interviewed on a national news program.  She is nervous.  She does not want to cry on TV.  Maya (played by Darlenis Duran) is being held prisoner in her own home by a crowd of reporters outside her door.  The phone keeps ringing, and she implores her mother (played by Veronica Cruz) to not answer it.  We find out that Lauren’s young son was the fatal victim of gun violence, and that Maya’s twelve-year-old son was the shooter.  Lauren complies with the news media, as they play on her emotions to sell their stories and advance a political agenda.  She obsesses about one day meeting Maya to face the cause of her grief.  Maya loses custody of her younger daughter and is distraught when she finds out that her son will be tried as an adult.  What would take place if these two women meet to share their feelings and perspectives? 

Photo courtesy of MultiStages

The character of Lauren undergoes an extreme level of self-evaluation during this piece.  Alinca Hamilton portrays this wide range of emotions with an indelible level of vigor.  The writing in these monologues is brutally honest and deeply revealing.  Ms. Hamilton does not hold back.  She delivers a moving performance.

Darlenis Duran portrays Maya with an intense level of fear, confusion, and rage.  The character is plunged into a horrific situation.  It is clear that she did not foresee the events that unfolded.  She is bombarded by both accusations and guilt.  It is a visceral performance. 

The media is acutely played as a character in this production.  They drive the agenda and manipulate the victims and their audience.  Jed Peterson, Veronica Cruz, and Matt Walting play characters in this network.  They are slick, smooth, and impactful. 

The MulitStages production of January is part of Femme Collective, which also includes productions by Neo-Political Cowgirls and Eden Theater Company.  January closed on February 1, so check the websites of these theatres for Femme Collective’s next project. 

Domenick Danza