The Whitefire Theatre Presents “Surviving MN Nice and Becoming Brave AF!”

Written and Performed by Paula Jay Fairbrother. Directed by Sonia Jackson.

Part of the Solofest

Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oak, CA 94123

White Theatre’s Solofest gives so many opportunities to solo performers and directors, as well as audiences to experience a huge variety of stories covering just about any theme you can imagine.  It’s a precious gift, to be able to talk about our lives and to share what we have learned, what we value, and how better to understand ourselves.

Paula Jay Fairbrother’s life story is such a gift and her telling of it is profoundly moving, as well as absolutely hilarious and brilliantly wrought. 

Minnesota plays a prominent role, regardless of where her story takes us.  Germany, all over the states and settling in L.A., finally.  She braves the darkest parts of her past with spirit and wisdom and vivid warnings to us all to not mistake “niceness” with denial,

This has clearly been a cathartic path for Paula, but the play is not “all about her” even as it basically is…if you know what I mean.  She is authentic, funny, eloquent and warmly wise.  She pushes through the madness of her young life to her brilliant present world with an inspirational inclusiveness.  She’s a strong woman.  She’s more than a survivor, she’s a victor, a warrior and her ancestors would crown her queen.  I am very comfortable that I am not exaggerating.

What we can learn from these powerful stories and nuanced poetic performances by Paula and the very best of these marvelous Solofest plays is that we are all the same.  We are all connected, whether we like it or not…and we should really like it, even if it brings up things that are hard, or hidden or long forgotten.  Storytelling is the greatest gift our ancestors for way back through millennia could ever give us.  If you have the gift of the gab as it were, as Paula does in spades, then I believe it is your duty to share, to give life to what is in your heart.

Paula Jay Fairbrother has the gift and if you ever get the chance to see her share it, take it.  Bravo!!!