YOU’LL BUY THIS HEART
In my ninth-grade English class, Mr. Rozran taught that a short story, versus a novel, should aim to capture a small slice of life, leaving much of what happened before and after to our imaginations. That perspective came to mind while watching The Heart Sellers, a play that offers a focused, uninterrupted glimpse into two strangers’ lives on Thanksgiving Day, 1973.
Jin Park
Spanning 90 uninterrupted minutes, the play invites us to witness two immigrant women getting to know each other in real time. The title itself is a clever nod to the Hart-Celler Act — a.k.a. the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 — which reformed U.S. immigration policy by abolishing blatant discriminatory quotas against Southern and Eastern Europeans as well as Asians, replacing the National Origins Formula, which had been the basis of U.S. immigration policy since the 1920s. This paved the way for more immigrants from Asia and other regions.
Marielle Young and Jin Park
The story begins with Luna (Marielle Young), a vivacious Filipina immigrant, inviting a quiet Korean woman, Jane (Jin Park), into her modest apartment. Luna’s energetic chatter contrasts with Jane’s hesitancy, creating a dynamic that unfolds with humor and tenderness. Luna, eager to connect, wants to honor Jane by using her “real name,” but when Jane shares her Korean name, Luna realizes—somewhat awkwardly (the “uh-oh” expression from Luna is priceless)—that it’s as challenging for her to pronounce as it is for Americans — so “Jane” it is.
Marielle Young and Jin Park
Both of these young women represent of a generation of people who came from different parts of Asia in the late sixties through the seventies. The Hart-Cellar Act may have opened the doors, but it didn’t do much to make their adjustment easy. Through their conversation, Jane, an inexperienced wine drinker, begins to open up, and we glimpse the isolation faced by many immigrants of the era. Luna confesses that, other than a plumber, Jane is the first person she’s invited over in all the years she’s lived there, highlighting the challenges of building connections in a foreign land. Director Kat Yen notes in the program that her own immigrant parents struggled to form friendships, relying solely on each other for companionship — a sentiment echoed poignantly in the play.
Marielle Young and Jin Park
The pair’s meeting stems from a chance encounter at the supermarket, where Luna — having bought a turkey that she has no idea how to cook — impulsively invites Jane over. Though we don’t see their initial interaction, Luna’s boldness is evident, while Jane’s acceptance reflects her yearning for connection despite her shyness and being friendless for so long. Based on the initial awkwardness, it clearly took a lot for Jane to accept such a random invitation visit someone else’s home.
Marielle Young and Jin Park
The plotless play centers not on cultural differences but on shared struggles to adapt and belong. As the women bond with gentle excitement, their loneliness gives way to joy in finding a kindred spirit. While poignant at times, Lloyd Suh’s script maintains a light, sweet tone, endearing us to these spirited ladies. Watching Jane find her voice and confidence is particularly heartwarming, as Luna listens with genuine care.
Marielle Young and Jin Park
Though a few moments could benefit from tighter dialogue, the pacing feels brisk for a no-intermission show. The performances by Young and Park are captivating, drawing us into their characters’ burgeoning friendship with charm and authenticity.
Jin Park and Marielle Young
In an era where many theaters prioritize “edgy” productions to spark buzz, North Coast Rep deserves praise for offering the opposite: a tender, heartfelt work. The Heart Sellers reminds us of the beauty in quiet, human connection, brought to life by two outstanding actresses.
Jin Park and Marielle Young
photos by Aaron Rumley
The Heart Sellers
North Coast Repertory Theatre
987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach
Wed and Thurs at 7; Fri at 8; Sat at 2 & 8; Sun at 2 & 7 (check for variances)
ends on February 2, 2025
for tickets ($52-$74), call 858.481-1055 or visit North Coast Rep
