A moving and heartfelt tribute to the power of love and what connects us to loss, this is a show that is both emotive and funny. It is deceptively simple: the direct address draws us into the world of the young Cathy and her loving, multi-layered, beloved Ah-Ma (Fujianese for Grandmother), but as the story unfolds, we learn of Ah-Ma’s challenging past and how the memories of that are slowly lost to dementia.
This is just as much Cathy’s story, however. In present day she is impacted by the Eaton fire that spread across part of Los Angeles earlier this year: possessions are lost, and parts of the community is destroyed, but her home is saved and the will to build back again comes from the strength of love for those around, that sense of belonging.
Actor Kasen Tsui is an exceptionally skilful performer who brings alive the wonder of the young Cathy: we are brought into her world as she charms us and gains our sympathy in equal measure with her joyful energy as she stays with her grandmother and then her devastating despair as her Ah-Ma leaves for an annual holiday back home. Tsui’s physicality embodies the different ages of Cathy and Ah-Ma, giving them life on stage: she switches with ease to help us see the two characters clearly.
This is a lovingly crafted story and a performance that reminds us of the power of being loved and loving in return.
Show Time: 1-19 Aug (not 10) @ 11:00
Running time: 40 mins
Ticket Prices: £10-£12
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/ah-ma
Warnings: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes; Age Suitability: 12+ (Guideline); Accessibility and Enhanced Performances (may not apply to all performances); Wheelchair Accessible Toilets; Babes in arms policy: babies do not require a ticket. Policy applies to: Children under 18 months