A journey of nettles, Japan and train escapes

I liked the way he started his show, he really made the audience feel at home, I really felt he noticed us especially when we got tea before it started and when he wanted our name on a postit note. And then he went on to talk about how postit notes started out as a failed invention, but that's exactly what makes them great. I think what he meant was that if people think they're unsuccessful or imperfect, that's exactly what makes them perfect and unique.

The nettle tea also helped to draw me into the play and made it feel real, because nettles were in the play in different ways, both good and bad.

The way he introduced his songs before singing them I also thought was really cool, each song had a meaning in the story. Plus he made the show more coherent in my opinion by introducing the Japanese language at the start and using words from it to describe things he has experienced.

The stage was decorated with plants and furniture that made it seem homely, almost like a small apartment. The same room also worked when he talked about what it was like at his grandparents' house. I liked the way he used the props to take us on the journey, like when he used the chairs to make trains or cars, and that he took up space and used the whole stage floor. I also liked the way the lighting changed with the story and set the mood.

Samir kind of talked to us, and really took us along on his journey. For example, on the train ride. When he talked, I felt like I was there. I imagined all the families being forced out of their homes and into the unknown. How the parents were scared, but probably couldn't show it so as not to make the children more scared than they already were, and how this is something many people still experience.

It was an important story he tells, but still managed to pull in humor elements. His story taught me about what really matters.