Meet the Cartozians: A Hilarious Take on the Armenian Genocide
A hilarious new play, "Meet the Cartozians," by playwright Talene Monahon, tackles the serious topic of the Armenian genocide during World War I. The play cleverly uses absurdity to shed light on the struggles faced by survivors who immigrated to the United States. Set in 1923-24 in Portland, Oregon, the play follows the immigrant Tatos O. Cartozian as he fights for his American citizenship with the help of an Irish-American lawyer, Wallace McCamant. Monahon's witty storytelling and comedic flair make the legal discussions engaging and entertaining, with a talented cast bringing the characters to life.
The cultural and language clash between the Armenian Cartozian family and the Irish lawyer McCamant adds a layer of humor to the play, highlighting the absurdity of defining whiteness in the early 20th century. The talented cast, including Will Brill, Nael Nacer, Raffi Barsoumian, Tamara Sevunts, Andrea Martin, and Susan Pourfar, delivers stellar performances that capture the essence of the characters. As the play progresses, it transitions to a satirical take on reality TV, exploring contemporary Armenian culture through the lens of a fictional reality show, "Meet the Cartozians."
Under the direction of David Cromer, known for his impeccable comic timing and ability to find humor in adversity, the play seamlessly shifts between comedy and social commentary. The actors' dual roles in the reality TV segment provide a fresh perspective on the ongoing issues of identity and belonging faced by Armenian Americans. Through clever dialogue and engaging performances, "Meet the Cartozians" offers a unique blend of humor and insight into the complexities of cultural heritage and family dynamics. Don't miss this thought-provoking and entertaining production at Second Stage.