2021 Song of Joy

The Tank, New York City

December 10, 2021 at 7pm

December 11, 2021 at 2pm and 7pm

December 12, 2021 at 2pm

Carol Mazhuvancheril: Playwright/Actor/EP

Nicholas Browne: Director/Producer

Lauren Gundrum: Producer

Amanda Kettell: Stage Manager

Alisha Desai: Choreographer/Performer

Matthew Deinhart: Set & Lighting Designer

Xindi Xu: Costume Designer

Sara Vandenheuvel: Sound Designer

Song of Joy is an autobiographical play written and performed by Carol Mazhuvancheril, that explores what it’s like growing up immigrating to multiple countries from a young age, and how that shapes an individual and their family. Throughout the play, Carol explores what it means to define “home” in places that are foreign, and far from his birthplace of Kerala, South India.

In the pursuit of belonging, Carol embodies colorful characters from his life to illustrate his various experiences from a life constantly in motion. These range from carnatic music lessons on the terrace of an old boarding school in India, to ill-fated ballet auditions in Texas (motivated by his first time watching Black Swan), and seeking acceptance from those he loves while coming into his new found “American” identity.

Heartbreaking, funny, & painfully honest- it is a love letter to all immigrant parents who make immeasurable amounts of sacrifices in order to better the lives of their children. And how the children of those immigrants often have to balance what they owe their parents, with what they owe themselves.

Song of Joy is presented, in part, with support from The Center at West Park.

*Please note that this performance will be presented at the Tank's in-person performance space at 312 W 36th St. All attendees and artists will be required to display proof of full covid vaccination before being admitted to the space, either by showing a vaccination record (vaccination card) at least two weeks out from the final dose of an approved vaccine, or by using New York's free Excelsior Pass service, available here. Patrons will also be required to wear masks while indoors at all times and for the time being, no food or beverage will be permitted to be consumed at the theater.