Yohen presented by Silk Road Rising at Chicago Temple

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...Hamada, working with a thinly drawn role, doesn't go far enough to suggest the dimensions of Sumi's inner struggle. It's a different story with Perry Jr., who captures a sense of male-specific confusion and generational rage. The script (by Philip Kan Gotanda) is reliant on "remember when?"-type exposition that makes you think, who talks like this except characters in a play?"

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"... Gotanda hammers his central metaphor too hard, but in Steve Scott's staging, Ernest Perry Jr. and Cheryl Hamada transcend the play's small weaknesses, lovingly exposing the tragedy of a good marriage gone wrong."

Chicago Stage Review - Highly Recommended

"...Director Steve Scott strikes an impressively even balance between the irritation, adoration and desperation of these characters. Lee Keenan creates splendid authenticity and subtle depth with his excellent set design and Robert Steel’s original composition and sound design is truly lovely and evocative."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"...There’s no easy answers in relationships undergoing change, and Yohen’s peeping-through-the-blinds view of this one, created by Hamada and Perry’s full investment in their characters, is ultimately both devastatingly truthful and naturally etched."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...I enjoyed this short play’s tender moments. The play is marvelously performed by Cheryl Hamada and Ernest Perry, Jr. This poetic piece uses the art of pottery as a symbol of the changing and redefining of love. The unexpected consequences of living with another for years can shake up what it means to love another."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended

"...Director Steve Scott says that he knows a play will work for an audience “when I react to it emotionally.” "Yohen" is filled with emotion, love and the balance between need and rational thinking. The only problem with Cheryl Hamada and Ernest Perry Jr. is believing that they are of the stated ages of the character. James is 61 and Sumi is 64. Perry looks too young and athletic and beautiful Cheryl Hamada just does not look anywhere near 64."