Overview
Synopsis
Anon, a young refugee from a faraway land, travels the country, searching for some semblance of home, and the mother from whom he was separated long ago. Nemasani, a bereaved mother, hope gone, sews her son’s shroud: unraveling at night, and sewing again during the day, putting off a marriage to the sleazy sweatshop boss she detests by refusing to finish her sacred sewing project. Between the two lies the vast and terrifying United States of America, filled with murderous one-eyed butchers, deceptively alluring dive bars, drugged-out Shadows dreaming their lives away, and the constant threat of the authorities -- but also, unexpected friendship, unlooked-for serendipity, and supernatural aid. Watched over by the goddess Naja, supported by a tragic and poetic Chorus of Refugees, Anon must keep his wits about him, trust in his memory, and tell his story, before he can find his mother. Naomi Iizuka’s brutal and beautiful play Anon(ymous), a powerful retelling of Homer’s epic Odyssey, explores ancient themes of identity, coming-of-age, and the shifting nature of home, in the face of displacement. This visually and verbally stunning script is the perfect vehicle for a large cast of multi-generational, diverse performers.
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Context
Naomi Iizuka’s Anon(ymous) was commissioned by the Minneapolis Children’s Theater Company, and received its premiere at that theatre on April 4th, 2006. Directed by Peter C. Brosius, it featured Michael Escamillo as Anon and Rosanne Ma as Nemasani, supported by an ensemble of 9 versatile actors and a design team consisting of Kate Edmunds (scenic design), Christal Weatherly (costume design), Geoff Korf (lighting design), and Andre Pleuss and Ben Sussman (music and sound design. Most prominent
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Act One
Anon stands alone, starting a story he can’t quite remember or put into words. “Where I come from is far away from here.” The Chorus of Refugees join him, led by Naja, speaking their own origin stories, describing the landscapes of of their homes, the animals and plants to be found there, the food and drink they remember. The Chorus leaves, but Naja remains, prompting Anon to remember his story. Anon insists that he can’t, or won’t, The sounds of wars begin in the distance. Naja
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Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in Anon(ymous).
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Monologues
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