Reviewed by Heather Dowling
This fictional story about a shopkeeper in a “distant land” is based on amalgamated true stories of ordinary people displaced by violence, corruption and war, fearing for their lives and being victimized further in their attempts to get to safety.
The story of REFUGE, performed by Singapore-based, Malaysian actor and theatre artist Pavan J. Singh, asks the audience to grapple with the truth of who refugees actually are – people with children whose heights are marked on door frames, owners of businesses passed down from father to son, true loves discovered in the course of everyday errands. It powerfully challenges the point of view that refugees seeking asylum is a “complicated issue.”
Coming from Southeast Asia all the way to the Hollywood Fringe, Singh’s intent is to shed light on a global crisis. He’s been performing the show since December of 2016 to try to do just that. His performance is tender, entertaining and, in moments, heartbreaking.
My hope is that you will find time to see this show, supporting his mission to educate and breed compassion for those whose only choice is to run.
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