Almost 13, 2022 EdFringe.
See our short promo video here.
Reviews
“Kane is an engaging storyteller who convincingly embodies the various characters” ***** Five Stars by Adam Thornton in Wee Review
“This is visceral, credible and well written drama, documentary delivered in part-fictional style through character acting, storytelling, occasional heart-breaking humor and a life-affirming message that lingers as we leave the theatre.” Paul Levy, August 2022 in Fringe Review
“The solo performance from Joan Kane is powerful and at times deeply affecting. She never flinches though, from showing us the pain and the anguish caused by the actions of some characters. You are thrust viscerally into her shoes and cannot help but wonder how it must have been to live through the events in the play.” *** Three Stars by Des Reynolds, 9th Aug 2022 in BroadwayBaby.com
Production History of Almost 13
Almost 13 was originally written by Joan Kane in the summer of 2015 at the LaMama Playwrights Symposium in Umbria, Italy with the encouragement and guidance of playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. The first version was for 15 actors. Joan directed a reading of that version at LaMama ETC on February 27, 2016. Joan Kane later adapted the play into a solo piece with dramaturgy by Catherine Filloux and performed it twice, under the direction of Bruce A! Kraemer, in the United Solo Festival at Theatre Row opening on September 24, 2019. We remounted the show with additional material for four performances at the Episcopal Actors Guild October 14 to 17, 2021 and one show in the Estrogenius Festival on March 26, 2022. We squeezed it down to ten minutes for the Lower East Side Festival at Theater for the New CIty on May 27, 2022. We presented the show in the East to Edinburgh Festival at 59e59 Theaters in July of 2022 and in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2022 for 18 performances.
EdFringe 2022 Audience Reviews
“Joan tells her story with great finesse, moving quickly between characters & bringing definition & accentuation to each person she portrays. Her tale of survival is beautiful & gives hope to anyone who has been through traumatic circumstances. Fantastic acting & direction.”
Amanda Ladd, Edfringe performer, August 2022 on on the EdFringe Audience Reviews page
“Just saw @EgoActus Almost 13, deeply affecting with a truly profound closing message. You’ll be happy you’ve seen it. @GreensideVenue!!”
Eleonora Saravalle, solo performer in EdFringe 2022 on Twitter
“My life is richer having seen Joan Kane’s Almost 13. I was really saddened that some of what our leader shared with us on the journey, and that the world holds space where such things happen. Nevertheless, the story become one of resilience, love and familial strength. Seeing this production enlivened my hearth through compassion and lifted my spirits through fantastically funny moments. This show is a must-see!”
Clara Francesca, actor/producer August 2022
“Absolutely amazed by everything Joan is able to accomplish in this show. The characters, the movement, the emotion, the raw honesty, the constant simmering intensity throughout and the perfect ending to a heartbreaking but powerful story. Go see Almost 13!!”
Mike Lemme, playwright/Edfringe performer August 2022
“I had the distinct pleasure of seeing Joan Kane expertly perform her moving and ultimately uplifting personal story last week. Take time out to spend an early evening with her as she relives a troubled coming of age time in her life. There is something in this for everyone to remember and learn from. Do Not Miss!”
Carmel Owen, composer/lyricist and book writer/dramatist August 2022
“Saw @kanejoan1 @EgoActus ALMOST 13. Highly recommend. Joan tells her #truestory of survival. Mad respect Joan. As artists we take the damage & make it art. That is the craft. Love. Artfully acted & directed. #soloshow #survivor #EdFringe22”
Amanda Ladd, Edfringe performer, August 2022 on Twitter
“An intimate and vivid slice of 1960’s Brooklyn. You’ll feel like you’re there as Joan captivates with stories of her youth and the incredible challenges she overcame.”
Nicolas D., on the EdFringe Audience Reviews page
“Joan is an incredibly charming storyteller. Whilst the story of Almost 13 is utterly heartbreaking at times, Joan performs the characters within the tale in a charming way with no judgment. This show will make you laugh and cry in equal measures but you will leave with an uplifting message. A gorgeous solo show.”
Alice, on the EdFringe Audience Reviews page
New York 2022 Audience Reviews
“Joan Kane has transformed an act of barbaric cruelty into a poetic soliloquy that she enacts with the heartfelt passion of remembrance.”
Fengar Gael, noted playwright, March 2022
“In Almost 13, Joan Kane utilizes an inventive structure and precisely crafted personal moments to create a deeply affecting NYC coming of age story that will continue to resonate with you long after the show.”
Judith Leora, noted playwright, March 2022
“I am still thinking about Joan’s story and amazing performance… how you could play all of those characters so distinctly is nothing short of a miracle.”
Karen Foster Lehman, executive director of The Episcopal Actors Guild. October 14, 2021
“Almost 13 is not a revenge story, it is a healing story.”
Gil Swire, Co-Warden, Trinity Episcopal Church Canton Massachusetts. October 14, 2021
“Almost 13 is a compelling life story of a little girl who finds her voice and heals our hearts.”
Francis McGarry, First Online with Fran blog
Almost 13 played in New York City in the Estrogenius Festival on March 26, 2022