Middlesex Community College student Pichanny Som, of Lowell, will star in the Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s (MRT) production of “Kween.” Sponsored by Middlesex, the new play is written by author and playwright Vichet Chum. Having starred in six previous MCC productions, “Kween” will be Som’s professional debut.
“’Kween’ is a love letter to Lowell and to Cambodian kids who grew up in Lowell,” Som said. “There are so many references to the city and our diversity. It’s a relevant piece for our time. I have a lot of love for this story, and I hope people see themselves in my character or other characters. Representation is so important.”
“’Kween is not just a play, but a cultural moment,” Chum said. “Though I'm not from Lowell myself, this is my fourth show at MRT, and I've always been incredibly grateful to this community for galvanizing around my stories. When the theater commissioned me to write this play, I wanted to reflect my experience moving through this city as an adoring guest. I tell people that Lowell is a true American city – its layers of history continue to be in radical and candid conversation with one another. I believe my play reflects that. It’s full of funnies, pathos, and all the human stuff we can all connect with. There’s something for everyone. You won’t want to miss it.”
Som plays Lowell High School (LHS) student Soma, a queer Cambodian American teenager. Following Soma as she finds her voice and steps into her legacy, “Kween” is a joyful journey. When Soma posts a video performing her own poetry about the struggles she is facing – including her father’s deportation – the video goes viral.
“Soma is an artist and likes to express herself through poetry,” Som said. “She has an admiration for Jack Kerouac, hometown hero, poet of Lowell. This inspires her to write her own poetry following the deportation of her father. It’s the story of a young Cambodian girl and her sister navigating the trials and tribulations of losing a loved one to a system that is broken.”
Excited for her first role to be performed in Lowell, Som also appreciates having the chance to uplift the Cambodian community. Before being cast in “Kween,” she traveled to Cambodia with her family for the first time. Upon returning home to Lowell, she realized how important Khmer culture is to the city.
“I hope that Khmer people come see the show and are inspired and know there are people who want to tell their stories,” Som said. “I’m excited to be part of this journey and I hope it manifests into more opportunities for people. ‘Kween’ is a universal story, an immigrant story, showcasing the diversity of Lowell.”
To support Som and the show, Middlesex will host MCC Night on Thursday, February 26. Members of the Middlesex community can meet with playwright Chum during a pre-show reception held at the college’s Federal Building with Cambodian food, starting at 5:30 p.m., followed by the 7 p.m. performance of “Kween.”
“We are thrilled to sponsor the entire run of ‘Kween’ at the MRT, a play by highlighting the vibrance of the great city of Lowell and the many wonderful backgrounds of our population,” said Phil Sisson, MCC’s President. “This is the first time an MCC student will be the star of a show at the MRT, working with equity actors. We are incredibly proud of Pichanny and look forward to seeing her shine on stage throughout the duration of the run. MCC Night is an opportunity to bring our students, employees and community members together to enjoy an evening of entertainment, celebration and culture at the MRT.”
Tickets on MCC Night are free for MCC students, faculty and staff. Seats are limited. Reserve tickets in advance.