Shesh Yak: Theater review by Raven Snook
Laith Nakli’s intense two-hander explores the complicated emotions that arise when refugees admit home is where the heartbreak is. As Arab Spring rages across the Middle East, Syrian Jameel (Zarif Kabier, both haunted and haunting) is a little too excited to welcome fellow countryman and freedom activist Haytham (Laith Nakli) into his NYC apartment. Their pleasantries start to take on an air of interrogation, and soon there’s no turning back.
Excellent performances and Bruce McCarty’s taut direction keep you hooked, even if the big reveal is a bit obvious. Still, Nakli’s searing dialog is full of chilling lines (“You think Arabs deserve freedom? We don’t”), and yet he leaves room for possible redemption. These men are victims of generations of cultural and political strife, but maybe there’s a way to break the cycle of violence.—Raven Snook
Rattlestick Playwrights Theater (see Off Broadway). By Laith Nakli. Directed by Bruce McCarty. With Nakli, Zarif Kabier. Running time: 1hr 20mins. No intermission.