Review: NOMAD MOTEL at Horizon Theatre

Without being overly pretentious, Nomad Motel delivers a thought-provoking work inspired by the beautiful struggles of Parachute Kids and Motel Kids. Horizon Theatre brought this illuminating endeavor to the stage in a way that will challenge your assumptions of younger generations and will spark your inner-social champion. Written by Carla Ching and directed by Melissa Foulger, Nomad Motel is the 81st rolling premiere for the National New Play Network and will venture to Unicorn Theatre in Kansas City, MO early next year.

What appears to be a humble delivery of a substantial topic quickly shapes itself into a character driven narrative with highlights of humour. Kevin Quian and Wai Yim convey particularly amusing characters that consider themselves defectors from the Chinese educational system. Ashley Anderson plays an authentic Alix that narrowly avoids homelessness for herself and her brothers. Stick around during intermission to watch the truly innovative set fold and move to accommodate the intimate space that is highlighted by the thoughtful lighting design.

The most notable part of the evening was the electric energy from the audience as well as the Co-Artistic Director, Lisa Adler. Adler represented Horizon Theatre with an enthusiasm that was quickly adopted by the assemblage. Considering Horizon's mission to "build bridges between diverse audiences", it is quite appropriate that upon announcing the next season, whispers and activity erupted amongst the devotees. The staff and artists of Horizon Theatre should be commended for building a community that supports socially positive theatre.

Nomad Hotel runs at Horizon Theatre through October 21st and runs about two hours and forty-five minutes. For more information or to find their next performance, visit horizontheatre.com.