The play reveals the need for individual racial identity in the multicultural communities of gentrifying neighborhoods like Brooklyn. It also shows the futility of rejecting one’s identity and racial stereotypes. Nina being Asian-American and Miles an African-American make for a perfect specimen of the effects of an ever-changing cultural landscape on an interracial couple. Having a newborn daughter in the middle of all this change isn’t good for anyone involved. Tensions rise every day as they live in this community. As the play progresses familiar and unfamiliar faces are introduced, testing their limits like never before. They are unsure of whom to trust or what they should do as a couple, parents, or individuals. Humor slips into the play almost nonstop. The play showcases an emotional roller coaster filled with doubts about race, identity, parenting, society and everyday life.
Nina and Kit are swamped running an architect firm in Nina’s house where Miles is jobless and trying unsuccessfully to land a job as a producer. This, along with so much more creates several issues that’s troubling each one of these characters. Nina is focused more on her daughter than the firm. Nina feels she doesn’t get the credit she deserves for all she’s doing already. Kit feels like she’s bringing a lot to the table and Nina is slacking off. An upcoming opportunity could prove beneficial to both of them but Kit is concerned Nina might not be cut out for the challenge. Miles on the other hand feels neglected by his hardworking wife as he’s battling with his issues. Nina’s performance stands out among viewers as she is constantly frustrated and let's out unexpected rants. Her interpretation of a struggling new mother is the most realistic one yet. She adds more to the character when she shows the lack of love and support she gets from her husband.
Miles’ white brother Eric is described as a crazy uncle who lives free and travels the world from time to time. Nina is Eric’s biggest critic and often labels him as unreliable. This time, he’s back from Asia and needs a place to live which will mount more tension and responsibility onto the already struggling family. Eric comes in with a more relaxed attitude compared to the others. Mrs. Chae is quite the character as she has her moments of humor and laughter. She has been hired by Nina to be their nanny. Her primary goal is to teach the baby her mother’s heritage. Problems begin to surface when their house is broken into. They cannot seem to trust anyone anymore. They become vigilant of their neighbors. This however has its upsides because if you can’t trust anyone, you have no one. The play speaks for itself. The home acts as the midpoint to these characters’s everyday life. Everything comes down to that house. By bringing together social, political and economic issues with humor, it shows us that anything broken in life can be made all new at home.
