Without a doubt, the piece that affected me the most was Intringulis. It was so powerful as a one-man show, with all the songs and dialogue. There was so much emotion present in his voice and that really carried over to me. By the end of the show, I felt so different toward illegal immigrants. I never realized the hardships that they go through and how hard and costly the immigration process is.
Like I’ve mentioned in my video blog, the reason the show was so effective was because of the limited distractions and intimate setting. The performance took place in a small room, and in front of a small audience; the number of people Carlo had to interact with was small, and so he could focus more intently on the few that were there. Also, the stage/set wasn’t full of unnecessary distractions. There was barely anything on the stage, and there was no need for the audience to be looking anywhere else but at Carlo. The way the stage was set up forced the audience to look at Carlo and what he was doing. I felt a connection to Carlo; even though I don’t know him, I know him.
When Carlo talked about his brother, Pacelli and how he had to stay behind, I was so moved. Having three siblings myself, I can’t imagine how hard it must have been to leave behind a sibling, even though Carlo was never so close with him. I don’t blame Carlo’s parents for leaving behind his other siblings because it wasn’t easy. It was a decision they had to make and they felt it was for the best. Carlo’s relationships were affected but that was part of the journey. He’s not given up so much but rather so much has been taken away from him, in his and his family’s quest to have a better life.
The reason I was most affected by this piece is because I’ve learned to be so grateful for having been born here. My parents came here and sacrificed their families, and the lives they had in Pakistan, so they can provide us with a better life. Intringulis has taught me to be really appreciate for the sacrifices my parents made for us, my siblings and I. I feel so lucky to be in this country today, and can’t imagine myself anywhere else. If I was living in Pakistan today, I would be a different person.
