We’re officially halfway through the Fringe Festival, and if you’re in search of a show that’s both impactful and enjoyable, “Blacklisted” is the one to see. At the Immigration Museum’s Courtyard of Curiosities, this weekend is your last chance to experience it, with the final performance on Sunday, March 3rd.
Almitra’s performance, a creative blend of musical theatre and intimate storytelling, echoes the spirit of the hit musical “Hamilton” as she shares her story of trying to immigrate from Karachi, Pakistan, to one of the Western World’s ‘Big Three’ (her words): Canada, America, or Australia. Accompanied by the melodic strums of Sarita’s sitar, her performance is heartfelt, personal and delivered with cheeky warmth.
The stage, a nostalgic recreation of Almitra’s childhood Karachi home, is adorned with rich vibrant colours, glowing paper lanterns, and an intricately woven Persian rug. She’ll offer you chai tea—she told this reviewer she’s always surprised when people turn it down— a gesture of hospitality starkly contrasted by the sea of her visa papers underfoot, punctuated with red rejection stamps.
Almitra addresses these rejections with a blend of honesty and humour, sharing her journey over tea. Her songs and stories give life to the people and dreams behind the documents, the scattered families, and the challenges of movement faced by many from countries in Africa and The Middle East. Almitra’s performance is intimate and personal, drawing the audience into her world with humour and genuine storytelling over flashy production or costume changes.
“Blacklisted” is an earnest invitation to delve into a tale of belonging and identity, told with sincerity and a dash of playfulness. Make sure to experience this unique Fringe show before the final curtain call on Sunday.
Purchase tickets from the Fringe website, here.
Reviewed by Grace Burke for Sam About Town
