“Nothing is off the table in this fast-paced, high-tension socio-political drama as race, religion, law and art collide.” This is the first sentence in the press release about “Disgraced” the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Ayad Akhtar that’s currently receiving its San Antonio premiere at the Playhouse San Antonio’s Cellar Theater. Needless to say, it immediately piqued my interest.
In the play, two couples get together for dinner in a posh Manhattan apartment and soon find themselves involved in some pretty heavy stuff. One of them, Amir, is a successful Muslim-American lawyer who tries to be as secular and American as he can be while his white artist wife embraces Islamic art and incorporates its elements into her work. Their friends are Amir’s colleague Jory, who is black, and her Jewish husband who doesn’t share the prevalent Jewish stance toward Israel. You can already see how things can get hot in this group.
Not having seen the play yet (but I am going this weekend) I can’t say more at this point but the issues raised – questions of identity, assimilation, acceptance, cultural differences, terrorist threats – are obviously highly relevant today in our society.
Another thing that recommends the show is that it has been directed by David Rinear, one of the most experienced directors in the city. He called “Disgraced” “an incredibly well-crafted piece containing rich and complex characters…” The cast includes Suhail Arastu as Amir, Kate Glasheen as his wife Emily, Megan Van Dyke as Jory and Nicolas Szoeke as Jory’s husband Isaac.
Can’t wait to see it!
For tickets and times go to www.ThePLayhouseSA.org or call 733-7258
