Jenell Rae for KXLU 88.9 FM's 'Center Stage'

"Caterpillar Soup" is served to audiences in heartfelt abundance and
generosity. Gently gliding across the stage, Lyena Strelkoff gives a
performance that is both funny and emotional. From the title I wasn’t
exactly sure what to expect from this soup, but by the time I left the
theater I was satisfied and full from a story that combines personal
narrative with a spiritual journey.

"Caterpillar Soup" is the true story of Lyena Strelkoff, who is
spontaneously confined to a wheel chair after an accident that occurs while
she is hiking with her boyfriend. The play is performed by Lyena herself,
and she takes the audience through a personal narrative which explores the
many transitions one must face after being instantly paralyzed from the
waist down. She uses the metaphor of caterpillar soup to show how one’s old
self must completely dissolve before a new one can emerge. Several ironies
are presented in the play, such as the fact that Lyena is a dancer and right
before the accident she starts a new relationship. The ironic mood gently
veers into the direction of a love story once we are told about Lyena’s
boyfriend who stays devoted to her even after the accident. Some scenes are
emotionally jarring; however, they are offset by light comedy and sarcastic
humor that makes these doses of reality seem less grueling. There is also
some beautiful imagery, such as a silhouette of a tree used as a back drop
and the use of lighting to convey different moods and experiences. The
theme of spirituality runs throughout the play, and the audience is left to
ponder whether or not one has a divine destiny. One of the most creative
aspects of the play is trying to figure out where to draw the line between
personal narrative and acting. By the end of the show, I decided that it was
a brilliant combination of both.

This is one of the best solo performances I’ve seen yet, and it really
shouldn’t be missed. So far it is my top pick for this year, and the show’s
radiance and sheer genius is definitely worth checking out.

For Center Stage, this is Jenell Rae.