A Deft and Witty Exploration of Familiar Themes
Colonialism is Terrible, But Phở is Delicious, now playing at the Chance Theater, is a successful comedy that deftly navigates familiar themes. The title, while a mouthful, telegraphs the overall theme: Big, bad colonialism made small and ironic through the beloved Vietnamese dish and through the likable characters (both Vietnamese and western) who consume it and cook it.
That is the overall theme, but the sub-themes are numerous and given a light touch. For example, cultural appropriation, assimilation vs. tradition, gentrification, class, language barriers and racism. Fortunately, these subjects are addressed playfully. There is no preaching, exposition or repetition. The playwright, director and cast respect the audience’s intelligence. They respect the audience’s time, as well. The play consists of three vignettes and lasts a lean 90 minutes. Not a line is wasted. You will walk out feeling satisfied and wanting a 2nd installment
Colonialism is Terrible, But Phở is Delicious plays through April 30 at The Chance Theater in Anaheim. Tickets are $20 – 39.