Moxie’s Latest Provides Laughs and Food for Thought

The current production of The Chronicles of Kalki represents a bridge between two periods for Moxie Theatre. It is the last production of the 2022-2023 season and the final show produced by the Executive Artistic Director and co-founder of the organization, Jennifer Eve Thorn. It is also the second play at the theatre staged by the new Executive Artistic Director, Desireé Clarke Miller, who was responsible for directing the wonderful drama, Mother of the Maid.

While The Chronicles of Kalki is a very different type of story than Miller’s last staging, the San Diego premiere is just as entertaining and intelligent.

Labeled as a comic-book-infused girl-gang thriller, but it’s really more of a coming-of-age comedy-drama mystery. Two friends (Kailey Agpaoa and Mikaela Rae Macias) are being lightly interrogated by a cop (Javier Guerrero) about the disappearance of their buddy, Kalki (Farah Dinga). Through flashbacks, the audience learns that Kalki is a rebellious individual who might be the final avatar of the Hindu god, Vishnu.

Aditi Brennan Kapil’s script is a tale about two girls learning to be themselves as the main duo become closer to Kalki. Their growth is showcased through humorously unfiltered dialogue as well as authentic dramatic scenes.

Kapil ties her plot into Hinduism, and she expects theatregoers to have at least some basic knowledge about Vishnu. For those that do not know much about the Hindu god, I would recommend doing a little bit of research to have a further appreciation of the narrative.

Miller visually translates the excitement the main girls share around Kalki. Divya Murthy Kumar’s set, Danita Lee’s costumes, Maile Varian’s lighting and sound designer, Eliza Vedar’s, music choices and audio effects all play a part in symbolizing the exhilarating time spent between the teens.

Agpaoa and Macias excel at portraying teenagers still discovering themselves, and Dinga perfectly depicts Kalki’s eccentric personality. Guerrero also strikes a fine balance of being increasingly empathetic and hilariously annoyed the more the girls discuss the events leading up to Kalki’s disappearance.

Without giving too much away, there is a lot of intrigue about Kalki even when more information about her is revealed. Since she continues to intentionally be an enigmatic presence, many audience members will discuss her connection to the central characters after the conclusion.

Cool and offbeat, The Chronicles of Kalki mixes genres with a fun and unpredictable plot. I’d say that the future looks bright for Moxie as Miller assumes the new leadership position.

Show times are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m, Fridays at 8:00 p.m, Saturdays at 8:00 p.m and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.