Afzal(Brian Abraham) confronts his daughter Zarina (Soraya Broukhim) about her controversial novel
The Who & the What is the title of the second play written by Milwaukee native and Pulitzer Prize winner Ayad Akhtar But it is also the title of a novel within the play that portrays The Prophet Muhammad, in very human terms, filled with a sensual desire that upsets and threatens the lives of the family portrayed.
Older single daughter Zarina (Soraya Broukhim) has been quietly—and secretly—writing a book that depicts the Prophet to be more earthly than divine with human faults and failings. Given the traditional upbringing—and clinging—by her strict yet charismatic father, Afzal (Brian Abraham), the book threatens the very core of his ideals and belief system, throwing the household into turmoil that changes their lives irrevocably. And yet, the talented playwright finds the humor and pathos in this intergenerational story rife with conflicting beliefs yet brimming over with the timelessness of familial love and loyalty.
In his second outing in playwrighting (the first won him the Pulitzer), Akhtar beautifully understands and conveys the challenging intergenerational conflicts within family dynamics. In this case, they just happen to be Pakistani Americans who have a deep spiritual belief and following in the Muslim religion. Akhtar is specially adept at helping us to quickly grasp and understand the various perspectives within these dynamics; the younger daughter, Mahwish (Nikita Tewani) is the obedient one who nonetheless resorts to very modernized ways to keep her traditional boyfriend. Akhtar further tests us in our thinking by introducing Eli (Ben Kahre) a convert to Islam, having been brought up by liberal parents in Detroit. If Ben is an American by background, can he really be a true convert to Islam?
The cast of four is uniformly excellent, in particular Brian Abraham as the father, Afzal. it is the most developed of the four characters and gives the actor the most room to play and stretch what we think is an easy to define man. Not so fast! Abraham balances the complexities of Afzal with subtleties we don’t see until they show up and surprise us.
As younger sister Mahwish, Nikita Tewani is so natural in the role that she transcends “acting,” so completely believable and charming. Ditto Ben Kahre as convert Eli. While on the “inside” of Islam, he remains on the “outside” especially during a climactic scene toward the end where underlying feelings and emotions surface. As Zarina, Soraya Broukhim has the most challenging role of balancing the latent anger with vulnerability, female independence with paternal dependence.
Broukhim saves the best for the last scene; she’s finally accepted her life and the choices she’s made and has found peace while moving forward. The entire scene is beautifully written and played by the foursome and still resonates, a mark of Akhtar’s many talents on display.
Director May Adrales makes the most of the Stiemke’s intimate space and the talented acting ensemble. I especially loved the juxtaposition of Andrew’s Boyce’s scenic design of Middle Eastern patterned walls against the modern kitchen, foreshadowing the clash of cultures to follow.
And yet, questions sill remain:
Who? or What? defines our way of thinking? Who we are? What we are? And how does that fit into the world we live in, past to present?
There are no simple, easy ways in or out of the situation once Zarina’s book is published. Just consequences for all involved. And how to live with the effects of those consequences. We make our choices and somehow find a way to live with them—like it or not.
For Consideration: Akhtar came into prominence by winning the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for drama for the very first play he wrote, Disgraced, showcased in the Rep’s Powerhouse a couple of seasons back. Rep Artistic Director Mark Clements wisely entered into a working relationship with the playwright and Akhtar’s third play, The Invisible Hand played in the Stiemke Studio where The Who & the What is currently running. Akhtar is a Rep Associate Artist.
His latest play, JUNK; The Golden Age of Debt opens in New York City’s Lincoln Center in the Vivian Beaumont Theater on Nov. 2. Rep fans will get to see this play about the risky financial world of junk bonds in the 1980s in the coming seasons. In addition, theatergoers will get to see a new Akhtar play premiere in Milwaukee.
*****
The Who & the What runs through November 5 in the Stiemke Studio in the Patty and Jay Baker Complex, 108 E. Wells St. For more information, call the. Box Office: 414-2124-9490, or visit: http://www.MilwaukeeRep.com
#####
Advertisements Share this:
