Review: 'Eight Nights' Healing trauma and beginning conversations with unheard voices

BY PAMELA KALIDASAN Reporter

It’s one thing to record history as a matter of fact, but it’s another thing when that history is told through a narrative.

“Eight Nights,” directed by Esdras Toussaint, delivers a powerful, tear-jerking story with strong characters who share a tale of how an untold story ripples from one survivor to another, like a compass, the world recognizes their stories, including how difficult it is for immigrants to adjust in a new place. The show runs for one more weekend.

Some of the themes covered in the play are Jim Crow, discrimination, racism and systemic oppression of marginalized communities, including resilience of concentration camp survivors, African American descendants of slavery, interned Japanese Americans and current refugees from Africa and the Middle East.

The actors delivered a jaw-dropping, impactful performance. A few honorary mentions are younger Rebecca (Miller Friedman), Aaron (Itzhak Matos), Lacey (Laura holds its

Motor4Toys is a community and sponsor led event there are no paid staffers and those working the event could be heard cheering on and applauding for those making their way to the staffers table behind a large Motor 4 Toys tent to drop off toys.

The goal for Motor4Toys is to grow outside of the car community and bring awareness statewide so they can help as many kids as possible during the holiday season.

Councilmember Bob Blumenfield was in attendance and praised Pierce for getting involved in community events, including being a mass vaccination site.

“Pierce College is such an incredible part of the community,” Blumenfield said. “They stepped up when we needed to do the mass vaccinations. That happened right here. It was the second largest mass vaccination site in the city. Second only to Dodger Stadium. Pierce stepped up, Pierce always steps up. We’re very proud of Pierce.”

Every local car club imaginable supported the event, from Ferraris and Lamborghinis to classics, imports, hot rods and 4x4s and everything in between.

“I’m a gear head but love helping great charities like Motor4Toys,” attendee Ronie Hatanaka said. “Every time someone walks up to drop off a toy they applaud and yell, it’s exciting hearing the noise it makes you feel good inside.”

The car and the local community supported this great event by coming out in record numbers. Last year because of COVID-19, the event had been postponed at Pierce but toys were still donated to Porsche Woodland Hills. The goal today was to reach over $50,000 in cash donations plus the hundreds of unwrapped toys and the event proved to be a success.

“We had a private sponsor that would match funds up to $25,000, so our goal today was $50,000, and we’re really close to making that happen this morning.” Stanley said.

Lyles) and Joram (Amir Hossein Nikbin Moghaddam).

However, Older Rebecca (Diane Feldman) carried the torch, as it was almost impossible to stop watching her perform as she perfectly emoted each moment beautifully and surprised the audience with humorous remarks and how unpredictable she can be with her character.

One of the most impactful scenes is watching Older Rebecca being interviewed by Matt (Norman Anthony Thatch IV). As she speaks about what had happened to her, images of her repressed inner child and past memories surface and she displays a visceral reaction. She screams, flips a chair and cowers under the table. It was absolutely groundbreaking.

Another surprising character is Rebecca’s father Erich (Paul Michael Nieman). The performance is believable as he acts like a dad who is trying his best to comfort his daughter after feeling guilty that he left her behind to suffer for all those years.

There are several moments in “Eight Nights” that are emotional and heart-wrenching, including the conversation between Arlene (Whitney Evans) and Older Rebecca, where they both share their disagreements on whether or not their kids should know about their past trauma.

Older Rebecca remains adamant in saying she doesn’t want to share her story with her daughter Amy. Arlene says that Amy is old enough to understand her, just as she and her husband Benjamin (Emmanuel Odaibo) had to teach their sons about how their father served in World War II and was victimized by Jim Crow laws.

The style, from the scenic design, costumes, hair, makeup and lighting enhanced the storytelling of the play. It is ethereal and almost enchanting to watch.

“Eight Nights” runs Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m at the Dow Arena Theater. Parking is available in Lot 6 and tickets can be purchased online with prices ranging from $15 for students, $18 for seniors and $23 for general admission. Patrons must follow health guidelines, filling out a visitor COVID-19 survey and masks must be worn inside the theater.

For more information please check out: Eight Nights (brownpapertickets.com)

Photo by Pauline Gener Minas Stambulyan gives his toy donation to Tikesha McNulty at Motors4Toys held by Porsche Woodland Hills at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Dec. 5, 2021.

The event has a strong family connection for attendee Brett Michaelson.

“I lost my dad two years ago and together we would come to these events to showcase our

Ghostbuster mobile and support the cause,” Michaelson said.

“He would dress up as Santa, so I keep coming back to continue the tradition.” participate, or to donate, please visit: www.motor4toys.com