“It takes a long time to unlearn what we were taught to believe.” — Playwright Madhuri Shekar
SAN DIEGO –Who is a “kick-ass” woman in your life? From pre-historic times, it has been the men who joined the hunt, went out to sea and fought in wars. But history has also given us women who broke the rules, women like Mulan, Joan of Arc, and Israel’s Hannah Senesh. These were women who fought both the bloody battles without and their social structures within.
“Imagine your heart’s desire and it will appear like magic.” — Madhuri Shekar
With the Lyceum Space arranged in a black box, centering the action, Scenic Designer Yoon Bae invites us into a world of bright colors, ornate patterns and cherry blossoms. The luxurious harem of 17th century Hindustan was paradise, employing only the finest seamstresses, cooks, nurses and … well, you know. There was always plenty of delicious food to eat and fine silks to wear. The women of the harem wanted for nothing so long as they kept their Emperor happy.
Watching over the harem are trained, battle-ready female bodyguards. They must be ever-ready to spring into action. But there’s a lot more waiting than action, so the guards play little games to pass the time. Devereau Chumrau and Taireikca L.A. have a playful rapport with a musical hip-hop street swag that makes them fun to watch. The stage combat with jo sticks, ably choreographed by Edgar Landa and assisted by Ka’imi Kuoha, was like a scene straight out of Kung Fu.
Also attending the harem were eunuchs, men who had been captured as boys and castrated. Shaun Tuazon made a lovely eunuch, biologically male but very feminine in dress and manner, he sashays in the gray area between male and female with the grace and poise of RuPaul.
There are no women warriors or eunuchs outside the palace walls and the harem women have no other marketable skills. So it’s in all of their best interests to maintain the status quo. But if this is paradise, why is Mariyam, the “Chief Queen” trying desperately to escape?
Tamara Rodriguez pulls our heartstrings as Mariyam. Desperate for a way out, she feigns sickness to avoid her Emperor’s hungry appetites. The doctor, called “Thermometer” must be blindfolded and led through the harem and is expected to examine the queen without seeing or touching her. Karthik Srinavasan and Devereau exude a chemistry that steams like a cup of fresh chai.
In a society with multiple wives and children with political power and influence, family relationships get pretty complicated. Mondis Vakili makes a catty, conniving villainess as Princess Noorah. From her entrance, we know that she is not to be underestimated. But as Maya Angelou said, “Hurt people hurt people.”
As I watched House of Joy unfold, I thought back to my world history classes and was struck by how Euro-centric they were. India didn’t appear in the books until the British conquered it. House of Joy is a chapter filled with mystery, suspense and intrigue that will fill you with wonder.
I didn’t know it at the time, but the performance I saw of House of Joy was destined to be one of the last. The San Diego Rep subsequently sent out this announcement:
“In light of the recent communications from Governor Newsom and the California Department of Public Health regarding COVID 19, San Diego Repertory Theatre will be canceling all remaining performances of its production of House of Joy, and all public activities until March 31st, 2020. We are currently in the process of contacting our patrons regarding their ticket options. We will continue to monitor the situation closely for activities beyond the month of March. We are saddened that we will not be able to share this wonderful production live with more audience members, but we feel this is the best decision to ensure the health and safety of our patrons, staff, performers and volunteers.”
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Eric George Tauber is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts. He may be contacted via eric.tauber@sdjewishworld.com
Re: the idea that Joan of Arc fought in combat: her own recorded statements contradict that idea. During the fourth session of her trial (27 February 1431) she said “during assaults I carried the banner, so as to stay out of any killing; and I have never killed anyone.” This is also confirmed by many eyewitness accounts. She didn’t lead directly either, although the commanders (e.g. the Duke of Alencon and Count of Dunois) said they sometimes asked her for advice because they believed she was Divinely inspired. Her stated goal was to place her king on his throne rather than to fight against the social structure.