The Heart Sellers: A Play That Had All Our Hearts

Have you ever felt transported back in time because of the detailed sets and convincing performances in a play? Directed by Sunam Ellis and starring Becca Q. Co and Seoyoung Park The Heart Sellers takes place in a mid-size city during Thanksgiving 1973. It follows the story of Luna (Co) and Jane (Park) in Luna’s apartment. Over the course of the show, the two become close as they bond over the struggles of being immigrants in an unfamiliar country after the passing of the Hart-Celler Act, a law passed in 1965 that changed U.S. immigration policy and allowed more immigrants from Asia, Africa, and Latin America to enter the country. Also, they discover similarities in each other’s lives as well as their longing to see their families in Korea and in the Philippines. Incorporating themes such as friendship, family, and courage, The Heart Sellers represents the transcending of cultural and linguistic barriers by creating marvelous set design, elaborate costumes, and showcasing fabulous performances by the leading actresses.

To begin with, the audience was transported into 1973 through Luna’s small apartment. Clothes were scattered across the floor and magazines piled in front of the retro 70s television. The outside of the apartment surrounded the central set, making it so the audience felt they had a snapshot into the setting’s inner workings. Throughout the show, the two women talked more about their lives and became friends. It provided the necessary space for the characters to develop and move through the plot. However, I felt my mind starting to drift due to the lack of set variety in each scene, causing me to miss pieces of dialogue or monologues.

But in those moments, the props rescued my attention. As Luna and Jane expanded their dialogue, props such as the wine bottle or the magazine added comedic elements that the set itself was unable to accomplish. I laughed out loud as they kept drinking glasses of wine and told funny stories of their spouses, while also feeling my heart swell as they retold their journeys of arriving in the states. It was touching to hear their fictional yet very realistic experiences, especially in a sensitive time like this one around immigrants in our country. The magazines allowed for 70s references that reinforced the setting and timeline of the plot. 

Next, acting and performances added a whole new dimension that shone alongside the technical aspects. Co’s exuberant performance as Luna and Park’s contrasting reserved demeanor added a comical layer that made an otherwise serious and powerful show more lighthearted. It kept the audience on their toes as we never knew what the next line would be. Although there were a few awkward interactions in the beginning, Luna and Jane managed to find commonalities through their shared struggles. I feel that both actresses deserve their flowers, as both represented two experiences that were very real in the 70s within the Asian American community.

Finally, the story itself tied the technical and performative elements together nicely. The sweet moment when Luna first brought Jane into her apartment and enthusiastically showed her around demonstrates the power of an initial spark between two individuals. They bond through commonalities such as their working husbands, struggles of immigration, and longing to see the world. However, Luna’s reference to the Hart-Celler’s Act made me realize that the play transcended fiction, and instead added a historical element that made the play even more powerful. The Hart-Celler Act was passed in 1965 and extended immigration rights to people from Latin America and Asia. This directly ties back to Luna and Jane’s story because even though they’re in America, there is still a mutual understanding that there are cultural and linguistic barriers they must overcome, leading to a stronger connection between the two. I’m glad that Ellis directed this powerful scene with such grace and respect because with it, the story reaches more people and adds complexity to the story.

Overall, I enjoyed this play in all its glory. The set was unlike anything I had seen before, yet I do wish there was at least another setting to add variety. The actors’ interaction with the props created emotion beyond their individual performance and allowed space for their connection to blossom. But my favorite part was the story aspect with its reference to a historical event. It shed light on a piece of history that changed the lives of many, creating impact through art. I especially think this reference is important because in the current political climate, the stories of countless immigrants who are here working to establish their place must be properly honored and represented. Jane and Luna did just that, retelling the experiences of thousands of immigrants who, just like them, fought to get here and make this country their home.

Lead photo: Seoyoung Park and Becca Q. Co in The Heart Sellers. Photo by Sayed Alamy.

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