‘How to Read by Moonlight' has a lot of light to go with the darkness
The immersion into the themes the show explores starts outside in the hallway, where a snack stand sells ube-filled crackers, and materials from organizations such as
Audience members can also share their reactions to the show on moon-shaped yellow sticky notes, read more about
The story (in English and Tagalog) is rife with serious themes augmented by a montage of news segments with headlines about ICE and the president projected onto boxes onstage. However, Eddie's joy and the fun he has with his imaginary friend (Jude Torres)—decked out in a bright outfit by designer Mikayla Reid that looks like a fun mash-up between the popular Rainbow Brite doll of the 80s and a unicorn—overshadows the seriousness of what his family is up against.
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It's easy to get caught up in the elements the play offers, which also stars Alfredo Reyes (Tatay) and Nicholas Papayoanou (Missus Josie, the landlord, Jason and others). There's lots of music, under the direction of Jeffrey Song, who also did the arrangements, and an imaginative set from the show's director and scenic designer, Natsu Onoda Power. The set cleverly evokes its various locations, with skyline-painted boxes where the windows light up, a wood pallet for Eddie's bed, and small seating areas on a second level where Tatay calls from the Philippines from one side of the stage and Asunción narrates from the other. The props designer, Kelly Smith, and puppet designer Amanda Gibson do great working bringing the story to life.
There's also clever depictions of turtles and snowflakes from Smith and Gibson's navy blue and silver flying dragon puppet is lovely. The whole creative team, including the lighting (Ashley Ting Yung), sound (Anna Drummond) and projection (Grace Kroeger) designers have packed the show with awe-inspiring moments. Sometimes, though, the emotion gets lost in the wonder.
'Learning How to Read by Moonlight' is one of several recent productions highlighting the experiences of underrepresented communities and questions of assimilation. '
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Tatay and Nanay have conflicting ideas. While Eddie's parents hope that their child's life is better in the U.S., when Eddie seems to speedily assimilate in America thanks to his mastery of English, it seems bittersweet for them.
In the program, Trinidad explains that 'learning to speak multiple languages is to cradle within yourself multiple souls, each immersed in histories and cultures,' in an interview with dramaturg Michelle M. Aguillon.
As Eddie and his mom figure out how to thrive in America, this audience member can't help but hope that these characters, and those of others in the same situation, hold on to all the languages, histories, and cultures dear to them.
LEARNING HOW TO READ BY MOONLIGHT
Play by Gaven Trinidad, directed by Natsu Onoda Power, dramaturg and tour direction, Michelle M. Aguillon, music direction, Jeffrey Song. Presented by CHUANG Stage and Company One, at the
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