←Recommendations of Mermaids

An aching and bittersweet play that explores so many levels of our humanity. It examines life and death, hope and truth, and asks the question that when faced with terminal illness, are the myths we cling any more rooted in reality than believing in mythical beings. And it is done subtly with a deft touch. A beautiful 10-minute piece!

Just lovely! Huang creates such a grounded, tactile sense of place in this taut, yet lyrical piece. I love that I found myself really leaning into the dialogue, asking questions, immediately investing in this world and wanting to know more about it. Two finely-crafted characters at a moment in time both immediate and ethereal. I would so love to see this onstage!

A gorgeously melancholic piece. I can feel what's happening even though I'm sitting behind a computer screen in Southern Ohio. This is one of my new favorite ten-minutes.

I can hear the waves and breathe in the dead fish. I’m with Cecelia - sometimes you need the mermaids. Maybe we always need mermaids. But at least there’s the tide. A beautiful, understated play that leaves you hoping and wishing that Cecelia gets her mermaid.

When reality is too hard to deal with, we always had our fairy tales to help us cope. Jessica Huang takes this idea and creates a subtle romance that will leave you thinking for some time after "End of Play"

Huang does a beautiful job balancing beautiful mystery and harsh reality in this lovely piece. It's hopeful and lovely while still acknowledging the nastiness of life. A treasure.

Jessica Huang comes right to the heart of where fairy tales and dreams come from in MERMAIDS. She creates two vivid characters coping with something implied to be serious for Cecilia. Huang weaves an emotional tapestry that is so beautifully understated that you feel as if you've gotten the whole story from the setting's description after reading this play. It's a wonderful portrait and wonderful moment shared between a couple on one of life's many downs. You're not left without hope though, you're left with a melancholic smile and a longing for things to work out. A quiet, beautiful work.

Metaphorical. Mysterious. Melodic. Esoteric yet universal. Highly recommended for the curious.