Many Trump Refugees in One Body is the hilarious story of an queer feminist Lyralen Kaye’s struggle to claim a new country. The story opens on election night, November 8, 2016, and moves quickly to Kaye’s decision to immigrate…on November 9! As her much-loved and change resistant partner throws up roadblocks, as immigration questions and demands throw her into frantic posturing in trying to prove she is more together than anyone could be, as she argues with herself and her partner about when and how to leave, as she finds a safety in Canada that the US sorely lacks, Kaye takes the audience deeply inside her own experience of being “an overly credentialed multicultural activist (gluten free)” and a woman with a diagnosis that immigration lawyers are concerned might ‘mean going through a medical interview that you really don’t need.’” Through a combination of physical theater, storytelling and stand-up comedy, she lays it all on the line. “This is the time for being transparent, because there’s no other way to bring communities together.” She grins. “Except for making them laugh. And I plan to do that, too.”
Many Trump Refugees in One Body
Reviews
What a great story! I was amazed, and stretched to re-think some old beliefs, by Lyralen's outing of herself as a multiple-personality, struggling to understand herself, and to be understood by a world full of confusion, fears, and judgements. Warm, loving, and personal, there is a lesson in this story of what can be overcome with the support of a caring community. Thumbs up!
You should see this show right away. Lyralen is spectacular, a great actor and storyteller. I was immediately invested by the way she presented her story. It's exciting and unpredictable and really well done. Huge props for putting this show together!
The title suggests political discourse but this is actually a fascinating, funny and refreshing look into how we learn to negotiate, accept and love ourselves (all of them.) Thank god. Propelled by the desire to leave the country, this is a thoughtful, self-reflecting solo show whose structure allows us to take the journey with the main character, instead of being told what happened. That is rare at the Fringe and that makes this one stand out. Well done.
I enjoyed hearing Lyralen's performance and seeing how complex her mind can be. From the moment she hears that Trump has won the presidency to her decision to move to Canada, Lyralen describes her emotions along with her alter egos that live inside her. Her condition is official: she has Multiple Personality Disorder, which she's had since a very early age to cope with traumatizing events that happened in her childhood. There is a moment where she welcomes us inside her head as a hilarious TV hostess that attempt to explain how many personalities does she really have, where they stem from and whether or not she's ever watched Cybill. I have seen one woman shows where alter egos help to tell their stories but Lyralen's reasons are legit and authentic, as if watching her alter egos come to the surface for a visit to the expecting audience. Great pacing, humorous and personal.
Lyralen is vulnerable, witty, playful and inspiring in this solo show as she weaves personally profound truths, both high and low. With a simple set and creative use of lighting, she reminded me of the power of storytelling. The honesty I experienced on stage is something special- it takes a lot of guts to be so open and raw.
This piece was beautiful and raw. Lyralen Kaye's story and performance is very compelling. The actor herself is grounded and centered. She genuinely connects with the audience on a level I don't see/experience often. The entirety of the performance felt like a conversation with a close friend…I could feel the strength and love in the room.
That was high class, authentic, deeply moving, fun experience of a real life story. It deeply moved me and allowed to deep into my soul and back. I applaud Lyralen for her performance - not the quality acting but her courage to step up and open herself up fully.
The show takes you an awesome and insightful journey, providing a window into a beautiful story. I truly enjoyed the show, and thank Lyralen for sharing her story. You don't want to miss this one.
This is a very engaging little tour de force of a show. It is both a deeply personal story and a celebration of community and acceptance. It is a show defined by both gravity and spriteliness and packs an emotional punch that is relentless, hilarious, and rewarding all at once.
One of the most unique shows you will ever see. Individual. Genuine. A story of its own. And at the same time, so relatable. Def a great night on the theatre.
Lyralen Kaye is courageous, funny and talented. I was spellbound by how she could switch from one character to another and I was totally absorbed in each one. I really liked her Vanna White impersonation... hilarious. The only issue was it was an hour and I didn't want it to end. Congratulations to Lyralen and her team. Go see this. It opens up a dialogue on subjects that were taboo and Lyralen has smashed through that barrier. BAM!
I love this show! It's full of heart, empathy and humanity. I guarantee you've never seen a show like this--it's completely original. Lyralen Kaye is a talented and passionate storyteller who shows us how to move through challenge to the triumph of love and understanding. And she's really funny.
Wow – what a great show. Lyralen really took me into an emotional roller-coaster with her truelly authentic and brave performance - I cried, got angry and laughed my pants off. What can I say?: Canada if you don't let them in…. you're fired!
This was one of the most intense and amazing Theater experiences I have ever had. I was sucked into the very personal story from the first second. Lyralen Kayes one-woman show takes up so difficult topics with such a strong sensitivity, finesse and power and at the same time makes you wanna both laugh and cry.
I found Lyralen Kaye's show to be authentic, often funny, and poignant. The show was fast-paced, thought-provoking and entertaining. I'd definitely recommend it--catch it while you can!
Lyralen Kaye's one-woman show is a masterpiece of comedy, personal drama, political drama, the mental health profession and Canadian immigration law. She tackles difficult and highly personal themes, touched off by the election of Donald Trump. Floods of memory both recent and distant overwhelm her into admitting publicly to her coping mechanisms. It's funny, it's frustrating, it's emotional. It's something that everyone should see.
I enjoyed this show immensely. Lyralen is warm, funny, engaging, and extremely honest. The show takes you on a rollicking trip of the inward journey of a woman struggling to come to terms with the most recent presidential election result, and also with herself. It is clever and insightful and left me thinking long afterward. And the "big reveal" is well worth the wait! A fun and crazy trip through the mind of Lyralen, who isn't afraid to say what the rest of us are thinking.
Many Trump Refugees In One Body is a fearless and funny dive into the world of self-disclosure and self-acceptance. Lyralen spares nothing as she shares her experience of coming to terms with all of who she is when immigrating to Canada. In her determination to be ruthlessly honest, she opens the door for all of us to embrace the parts of ourselves we thought would be better if hidden. Instead, she shows us that by befriending all parts of our personalities, even the ones we don't like, and fear others will reject, we gain an inner strength, a sense of freedom and peace of mind that others want to emulate. Lyralen's writing is sharp, precise, deep, moving and funny. Her acting follows suit!
What a great story! I was amazed, and stretched to re-think some old beliefs, by Lyralen's outing of herself as a multiple-personality, struggling to understand herself, and to be understood by a world full of confusion, fears, and judgements. Warm, loving, and personal, there is a lesson in this story of what can be overcome with the support of a caring community. Thumbs up!
You should see this show right away. Lyralen is spectacular, a great actor and storyteller. I was immediately invested by the way she presented her story. It's exciting and unpredictable and really well done. Huge props for putting this show together!
The title suggests political discourse but this is actually a fascinating, funny and refreshing look into how we learn to negotiate, accept and love ourselves (all of them.) Thank god. Propelled by the desire to leave the country, this is a thoughtful, self-reflecting solo show whose structure allows us to take the journey with the main character, instead of being told what happened. That is rare at the Fringe and that makes this one stand out. Well done.
I enjoyed hearing Lyralen's performance and seeing how complex her mind can be. From the moment she hears that Trump has won the presidency to her decision to move to Canada, Lyralen describes her emotions along with her alter egos that live inside her. Her condition is official: she has Multiple Personality Disorder, which she's had since a very early age to cope with traumatizing events that happened in her childhood. There is a moment where she welcomes us inside her head as a hilarious TV hostess that attempt to explain how many personalities does she really have, where they stem from and whether or not she's ever watched Cybill. I have seen one woman shows where alter egos help to tell their stories but Lyralen's reasons are legit and authentic, as if watching her alter egos come to the surface for a visit to the expecting audience. Great pacing, humorous and personal.
Lyralen is vulnerable, witty, playful and inspiring in this solo show as she weaves personally profound truths, both high and low. With a simple set and creative use of lighting, she reminded me of the power of storytelling. The honesty I experienced on stage is something special- it takes a lot of guts to be so open and raw.
This piece was beautiful and raw. Lyralen Kaye's story and performance is very compelling. The actor herself is grounded and centered. She genuinely connects with the audience on a level I don't see/experience often. The entirety of the performance felt like a conversation with a close friend…I could feel the strength and love in the room.
That was high class, authentic, deeply moving, fun experience of a real life story. It deeply moved me and allowed to deep into my soul and back. I applaud Lyralen for her performance - not the quality acting but her courage to step up and open herself up fully.
The show takes you an awesome and insightful journey, providing a window into a beautiful story. I truly enjoyed the show, and thank Lyralen for sharing her story. You don't want to miss this one.
This is a very engaging little tour de force of a show. It is both a deeply personal story and a celebration of community and acceptance. It is a show defined by both gravity and spriteliness and packs an emotional punch that is relentless, hilarious, and rewarding all at once.
One of the most unique shows you will ever see. Individual. Genuine. A story of its own. And at the same time, so relatable. Def a great night on the theatre.
Lyralen Kaye is courageous, funny and talented. I was spellbound by how she could switch from one character to another and I was totally absorbed in each one. I really liked her Vanna White impersonation... hilarious. The only issue was it was an hour and I didn't want it to end. Congratulations to Lyralen and her team. Go see this. It opens up a dialogue on subjects that were taboo and Lyralen has smashed through that barrier. BAM!
I love this show! It's full of heart, empathy and humanity. I guarantee you've never seen a show like this--it's completely original. Lyralen Kaye is a talented and passionate storyteller who shows us how to move through challenge to the triumph of love and understanding. And she's really funny.
Wow – what a great show. Lyralen really took me into an emotional roller-coaster with her truelly authentic and brave performance - I cried, got angry and laughed my pants off. What can I say?: Canada if you don't let them in…. you're fired!
This was one of the most intense and amazing Theater experiences I have ever had. I was sucked into the very personal story from the first second. Lyralen Kayes one-woman show takes up so difficult topics with such a strong sensitivity, finesse and power and at the same time makes you wanna both laugh and cry.
I found Lyralen Kaye's show to be authentic, often funny, and poignant. The show was fast-paced, thought-provoking and entertaining. I'd definitely recommend it--catch it while you can!
Lyralen Kaye's one-woman show is a masterpiece of comedy, personal drama, political drama, the mental health profession and Canadian immigration law. She tackles difficult and highly personal themes, touched off by the election of Donald Trump. Floods of memory both recent and distant overwhelm her into admitting publicly to her coping mechanisms. It's funny, it's frustrating, it's emotional. It's something that everyone should see.
I enjoyed this show immensely. Lyralen is warm, funny, engaging, and extremely honest. The show takes you on a rollicking trip of the inward journey of a woman struggling to come to terms with the most recent presidential election result, and also with herself. It is clever and insightful and left me thinking long afterward. And the "big reveal" is well worth the wait! A fun and crazy trip through the mind of Lyralen, who isn't afraid to say what the rest of us are thinking.
Many Trump Refugees In One Body is a fearless and funny dive into the world of self-disclosure and self-acceptance. Lyralen spares nothing as she shares her experience of coming to terms with all of who she is when immigrating to Canada. In her determination to be ruthlessly honest, she opens the door for all of us to embrace the parts of ourselves we thought would be better if hidden. Instead, she shows us that by befriending all parts of our personalities, even the ones we don't like, and fear others will reject, we gain an inner strength, a sense of freedom and peace of mind that others want to emulate. Lyralen's writing is sharp, precise, deep, moving and funny. Her acting follows suit!