One of the perks of being Content Editor for Asians On Film is that I get to go out and review shows and stumble upon a gem like Sweet Karma, a new play by Henry Ong.
Official synopsis: “Based on true events, [Sweet Karma] is an exploration of the tragic life and death of an Oscar-winning actor who survived the brutal Khmer Rouge regime in war-torn Cambodia, only to be fatally gunned down in the streets of Los Angeles a decade later.”
Sweet Karma doesn’t hold anything back, letting the audience know from the beginning that this is going to be a gripping drama, with the opening scene revealing the main character, Vichear (played by Jon Jon Briones), as he is brutally murdered in the streets of Los Angeles by an unknown assailant. Moments later, Vichear finds himself unharmed as he is greeted by a young woman who then proceeds to guide him through the major milestones in his life via flashbacks and conversations.
If this sounds a bit like A Christmas Carol, I can assure you that it is nothing like it. Henry Ong did a great job creating an interesting and balanced story with humor and profound revelations interspersed between some intense and intimate scenes. His story execution and pacing allow for an easily digestible journey into the life of a very complex and conflicted man. I appreciate that Henry decided to make Vichear’s “spiritual guide” more of a character than a story-telling tool. There were moments where I wondered if the play was just as much about the “spiritual guide” as it was about Vichear himself.
While the cast was filled with seasoned actors who carried the play well, it was Jon Jon Briones’ truthful and inspired performance that really stood out. For me, it wasn’t Jon Jon’s flawless execution of the intense, emotional scenes that made me admire his talent; it was his ability to bring forth charm, sensitivity and vulnerability in the scenes that weren’t emotional, but still called for a softness that can’t be explained with words. His ability to live truthfully through imaginary circumstances is uncanny. Never once did I feel like I was watching an actor on stage; only a man experiencing real emotions for the very first time.
The Grove Theater Center did a wonderful job in producing Sweet Karma, and it’s also one of the nicest 99 seat black box-ish theaters that I’ve ever been to. During the welcome announcement, Henry Ong stated: “If you don’t like the play, you can slap me afterwards.” And while I thoroughly enjoyed the play, I couldn’t resist giving Henry a congratulatory slap!
I also slapped Jon Jon for being such an amazing actor!
I highly recommend going to see Sweet Karma at the Grove Theater Center. It’s a rich piece of art that should definitely not be missed.
Go HERE for show times and more information about Sweet Karma.
Check out our interviews with playwright Henry Ong and actor Jon Jon Briones.
~ Andrew Chen, AOF Content Editor
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