Through the lens of Stankiewicz’s childhood obsession with the animated classic Anastasia, the formerly Adelaide-based Eleanor Stankiewicz tells the fascinating story of her Nanna’s escape from war-torn Europe to Australia. Nanna-stasia is a poignant and professionally performed tale that explores themes of strength in adversity and family ties with sophistication and spirit. Stankiewicz’s acting bona fides are on full display in this fifty-minute performance. She gives her all in a physically impressive one-woman show, dutifully giving life to each character with facial, vocal and physical distinction. Stankiewicz is a natural dramatic talent and executes the musical numbers with aplomb. Indeed, one wonders if this show might be better served in an actual theatre. Sadly, while the Drama Llama at Rhino Room is a convenient location and holds ample capacity, the ambient noise from the streetscape and bar detracted from the powerful emotional performance given on stage. It is rather a shame there aren’t more small theatres in our East End that could support a show such as this, highlighting the importance of preserving the spaces we currently have that support performing arts. In any event, the production value is shoestring but effective. The live piano accompaniment and use of dramatic lighting enhance the narrative greatly. There is quite an intense story here and the overall production does the tale justice. Stankiewicz and her team give plenty of life to this powerful story without the need for an inflated budget. Though the content can be heavy at times there is plenty of levity here too and it never feels disrespectful. Stankiewicz is such a strong performer that she can make even moments of great anguish feel charming. She delicately weaves her story with musical and comedic references to the animated feature from which the title is drawn, and in doing so effuses plenty of drama and humour. There are moments of sadness, joy, anger and relief and each are served with careful consideration to the memory of the story’s subject. A journey through the life of an Eastern European refugee feels particularly relevant in our current state of world affairs. This adventure is presented in an accessible and entertaining way, serving to enlighten us all of the value of sanctuary to those in need. Equally so this performance is a reminder to appreciate the elders in our life if possible. Those who have lived long often have much knowledge to share, and there can be only fleeting opportunities to preserve their experience. Undoubtedly Stankiewicz’s grandmother would be proud of her efforts to share her incredible story, as we in Adelaide should be also, for having helped to produce such a genuine talent. Nanna-stasia runs from Tuesday March 15th at 7:30PM until the end of the Fringe. Get on down to the Rhino Room if you’re at all interested in another thread of the rich tapestry of Australia’s migrant history. Keep your eye on Eleanor Stankiewicz too, who is surely in line for bigger and better things in the future.