Sometimes, the impact of a solo performance lingers long after the curtain falls.
That was certainly true for Boys With Cars, choreographed, written, and performed by Anita Majumdar under the thoughtful and nuanced direction of Brian Quirt.
Majumdar inhabits every character in this one-person show, highlighting the contrasting lives of two teenagers, Naznin (Naz) and Candice. Naz is a South Asian Canadian approaching graduation from her high school in the mostly white town of Port Moody, British Columbia. At the top of the show, she waits outside the wedding of Buddy and Candice—two popular classmates—where she is scheduled to perform a dance. The story unfolds over the May long weekend.
As Naz, Majumdar interacts directly with the audience, sharing personal stories and memories from her school days, including those involving Buddy, Lucky (Buddy’s best friend), and Candice. These recollections are sometimes funny, providing insight into Naz’s life during high school. However, moments of discrimination and racism are also revealed.
Naz’s story takes a dark turn when she becomes involved in a disturbing sexual assault.
After a brief pause in the performance, Majumdar returns to narrate from Candice’s perspective—a white woman recording a makeup tutorial video, set in September after her high school graduation and months before Naz’s story. This new viewpoint offers valuable insight into Naz’s experience.
I prefer not to reveal too much of the plot, as there are unexpected developments that merit discovery.
I attended a student matinee to observe the immediate reactions from the younger audience. In a previous interview, Majumdar expressed her appreciation for performing at student matinees, noting that these audiences provide candid feedback regarding their impressions of the performance.
This particular audience exemplified her observations.
These young people remained attentive throughout the show. There were frequent moments of laughter that were a tad uncomfortable to hear. Upon reflection, it seemed possible that their laughter stemmed from an awareness of the authenticity of the events portrayed on stage.
Boys With Cars demonstrates clarity and authenticity, largely due to Anita Majumdar’s convincing performance. Majumdar’s portrayal of Naz and Candice is delivered with frankness and candour, enhancing the production’s realism. Jackie Chau’s set design features a sizeable boom box as the focal point on stage, complemented by Rebecca Picherak’s precise and nuanced lighting. Christopher Stanton’s pre-show music selection, which includes occasional explicit lyrics, effectively establishes the play’s reach with a young audience.
There is a relaxed 2 pm performance on Saturday, April 18, at Young People’s Theatre. Please see this very important piece of theatre that strongly resonates.
If you wish to bring students to the matinee, please visit https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.org/school-registrations/boys-with-cars/ and stay for the Q&A afterward.
If you wish to read my conversation with Anita: https://ourtheatrevoice.com/anita-majumdar-shares-her-voice-and-introspection-through-her-solo-show-boys-with-cars-at-torontos-young-peoples-theatre-which-sadly-still-resonates-deeply-with-young-peopl/
Running time: approximately 75-80 minutes.
For more information, call (416) 862-2222.
NIGHTSWIMMING, IN ASSOCIATION WITH YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE, presents
Boys With Cars, written, choreographed and performed by Anita Majumdar
Set and Costume Design: Jackie Chau
Lighting Design: Rebecca Picherack
Sound and Projection Design: Christopher Stanton
Stage Manager: Sandy Plunkett
Directed by Brian Quirt
Produced by Gloria Mok
