Words: Kiera Harper
Image: Ines Valencia

4 Stars

Letters to Joan – A Lovely New Play is a beautifully written play dedicated to bringing back to life the ones we love. 

Samantha Streit, writer and performer of the play, aims to share her grandmother Joan’s writing with the world. By reading excerpts from letters between her grandmother and grandfather, Streit depicts the intimacy of letter writing and the aspects of ourselves we preserve on paper. In between the letters, we get a glimpse of Streit’s relationship with her grandfather, played by Kevin Cahill, in scenes where they share breakfast at a diner and discuss Joan. These scenes weave together Streit’s search to discover what her grandmother was truly like and the similarities they share. 

Streit’s admiration and deep love for her grandmother bring this play to life through her exploration of grief and attempt to create a connection with no one on the other end. Through her own and her grandmother’s beautiful storytelling, Streit delves into all the questions that arise after losing someone you didn’t have enough time with. She depicts what it is like to see ourselves so much in the ones we love that we both aspire to and fear turning into them. This sentiment touches audiences deeply, with many moved to tears by the end of the performance.

Although a couple of transitions could be smoother, Letters to Joan is a lovely tribute to a beloved writer and grandmother whose talent couldn’t be contained in a letter meant for one reader. This is a warm show to start the day with, encouraging you to carry out the rest of the day with intention and meaning.

Letters to Joan – A Lovely New Play 
Bunker Three at Pleasance Courtyard
11:35 (15:20 on the 17^th, 24^th and 12:50 on the 25^th)
5^th – 31^st August (no performances on the 19^th)