A Spirited Journey of Self-Discovery: A Review of "MISSIONS"

Samantha Bowling's "MISSIONS" is a fantastic show that combines delightful chaos, terrific storytelling, and heartwarming audience interaction. It delves deep into themes of identity, spirituality, and stewardship of the land we are on. The performance is a captivating blend of humor and raw emotion, offering a powerful and unforgettable journey of self-discovery. I highly recommend it.

Returning to the Hollywood Fringe Festival after their award-winning show last year, Samantha Bowling's latest solo show, "MISSIONS," delves into the complexities of identity and spirituality through a blend of humor and excellent storytelling.

This was my first time experiencing one of Bowling's shows, and I can confidently say I am walking away a huge fan. The show primarily focuses on flashbacks of Bowling playing her 14-year-old self, exploring the internal conflict that arises from being a queer, mixed-indigenous teen on a mission trip to her family's ancestral homelands in rural West Virginia. It captures the confusion, curiosity, and courage of adolescence, revealing deep connections to her Cherokee heritage and the history of the land.

I had zero expectations and truly did not know what to expect. These are tough topics, so initially, I came in slightly guarded, as discussing and listening to the traumas of religious dogma can be tough. But from the moment you step into the theater, you are greeted by the warm, soft tones of a sound bath. As the audience settles into their seats, there is a profound sense of calmness and empathy throughout the venue, almost as if we were sitting down for a church service. That said, Bowling is not here to preach; she educates and encourages self-reflection. All while doing so with witty and fast-paced dialogue. The one-hour show flew by, and I found myself surprised at how much information was conveyed in such a short time.

The show dives into the complexities of living in areas of grey, such as the inherent struggle of being raised in a traditional conservative church while figuring out one's identity. What makes this show so compelling is its ability to authentically portray the tension of taking the good from her upbringing while growing, learning, and reflecting, and passing that information along to the audience. Throughout the show, I found myself constantly challenged to think critically about topics like spirituality, colonization, land ownership, and stewardship of the land we are on. I have included links below for my own education, and I hope you, as a reader, can use them as a jumping-off point.

Bowling's performance is a standout. She effortlessly blends humor and raw emotion, skillfully joking about her past and conveying it with humor and grace. One of Bowling's greatest strengths is her ability to tackle challenging and sensitive subjects without falling into cynicism. She approaches these topics with compassion and clarity, making her viewpoint inspiring rather than jaded. The show is extremely funny, blending amusing anecdotes with sincerity and genuineness.

There is a lot to chew on in this show, especially if you have any relation to church or organized religion. Bowling delves into the spirituality of her Native heritage, exploring the rich traditions and spiritual practices of her Cherokee roots. This exploration adds an additional layer to the narrative, highlighting the contrast and confluence between her Native spirituality and her Christian upbringing. Her spiritual journey is as much about reclaiming and understanding her Indigenous identity as it is about navigating her contemporary life. The show's chaotic energy, mirroring the protagonist's internal turmoil, adds charm and authenticity. It truly feels like you are inside her mind.

There are plenty of memorable moments, from the fun portrayals of various characters that impact and interact with her during the flashbacks to the great use of audience participation that fosters a sense of community and connection. I won't spoil a musical segment that adds a delightful and unexpected twist.

The minimalistic set design, complemented by effective lighting, focuses attention on Bowling's dynamic presence, while simple yet evocative props add authenticity to the storytelling. The immersive effects are a real treat; the use of simple but practical scents transports you to the beautiful Appalachian mountains.

I have few complaints. There were a few small technical issues, such as repeated audio cues and syncing with the screen behind. I also recognize that I saw this during a preview performance. I do think there is a ton of potential here and would love to see this piece refined and expanded. I enjoyed how fleshed out the characters you meet along their journey were and would have loved more time with them.

Overall, "MISSIONS" is a powerful solo show. Samantha Bowling's talent and immersive storytelling create a unique theatrical experience that shouldn't be missed. You don't need to be spiritual or religious to appreciate this show. Come in with an open mind and be ready for a thought-provoking and immersive experience.

While this might not be a traditional church experience, it is undoubtedly a spiritual one and a journey worth taking.

*Note on Indigenous Land Acknowledgement:

The Hollywood Fringe acknowledges that we are on the unceded lands of the Tongva, Kizh, Gabrielinos, and Gabrieleños. A land acknowledgement is a formal statement that recognizes and honors the Indigenous peoples of the land we presently reside and/or work on. Our statement serves as a practice, as we commit to furthering our connection to the Indigenous communities past, present, and emerging. For more information, Fringe has used these resources for our own education:

• A Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgment
• Native Land
• Gabrieleno Indians
• Gabrielino Tongva