“Nella leads a women’s Mafia Anonymous group — a place where secrets unravel and stories are finally spoken. Rumors have long circulated that Nella’s father did business with the Mafia. She’s here to set the record straight… or is she?
This one-woman show brings to life the voices of many, as PINA channels the raw, untold stories of women entangled in the shadows of organized crime – with humor, grit, and heart.”
This solo show written and performed by PINA, directed by Gita Farid and Ilana Lydia, is available online as part of Santa Monica Playhouse’s Binge Fringe Festival of free theatre.
It’s an hour-long solo show in which leads a support group for women who feel they may have a loved one involved in some way with the Mafia/Mob.
For Nella, who hides behind a somewhat bravura persona, it was her father whose wealth and power made her question his business dealings.
The other women are Deanna, a ghost seeking answers about her murder, Patty, who “loves wise guys” and Indra, an “exaggerated Russian”. The unseen Annie minds the door.
The shadow of men and their potentially violent tendencies is forever present as the women share their stories and testimony over three meetings, with Pina playing each character with just a quick change of stance, prop and voice.
Seeking to ‘find the humor within the pain’, Mafia Anonymous – The Women Speak tackles ideas about machismo, family secrets, and women’s safety. It’s also about keeping quiet, following rules and a code, and whether you can really trust anyone.
Although relatively short, this show does conjure up strong characters and issues, and retains interest throughout.
The visual slides can be easily read and although there are no close-ups in the capture from Santa Monica Playhouse, the quality of the camerawork and sound is sharp and clear.
Mafia Anonymous – The Women Speak is part of the Binge Fringe Festival and was performed live in week one; the capture is now available until 16 Nov at Santa Monica Playhouse’s YouTube channel.
3.5 stars.