I Didn't Know I Was Polish ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kaitlyn Kelly's Offie-nominated solo show, directed by Dominika Uçar, makes a powerful and timely return to The Hope Theatre, offering audiences an intimate and profound exploration of identity, heritage, and the unpredictable turns of life.

Her immediate confidence and brisk pacing set an urgent, invigorating tone that resonates throughout the entire piece, underscored by compelling red lighting that visually amplifies the narrative's intensity. Her diction is a standout attribute, a crucial asset for a production that, while deeply personal, can be rich in narrative detail and word-heavy. Kelly proves herself a truly versatile and wide-ranging performer, seamlessly transitioning from moments of delicate slow dancing to vocal performances, and even engaging in spontaneous, delightful improvisation with the audience. Her talent is undeniable, drawing you in from the very first beat.

The narrative meticulously unfolds, revealing Kelly's close bonds with her family – her sister Sonya, her beloved grandmother ‘Baba,’ and her enigmatic grandfather Gidu, with whom she always felt an unspoken, deep connection. The story takes an unexpected turn as Kelly recounts her time in Paris, facing visa challenges, culminating in a New Year's Eve celebration where she and her partner Claudia, along with friends, optimistically declare 2020 their 'best year yet' – a line that elicits a knowing, rueful chuckle from the audience, highlighting the shared irony of recent global events.

The play builds to a gut-wrenching climax as the timeline reaches 2021 and the devastating moment Russia attacks Ukraine. The immediate impact on the audience is palpable; the text describes an almost breathless silence that descends upon the theatre – you could hear a pin drop. This profound shift in atmosphere underscores the universally resonant nature of the events unfolding, connecting Kelly's individual story to a global tragedy and reminding us of the fragility of peace and the enduring ties of heritage.

It's an unforgettable journey that stays with you long after the final curtain.