Ayad Akhtar Unfolds Religious Crisis in America by Rachel Norby and Barry David Horwitz Set in Atlanta in 2013, “The Who & the What” focuses on a traditional Muslim father, Afsal (dominating Alfredo Huereca), and his two rebellious daughters. Though the younger pretends to conform, the elder expresses her objections to male rule openly….
Jordan Tannahill Depicts Gripping Showdown after Suicide by Barry David Horwitz Canadian playwright Jordan Tanahill shows us that Canadians face the same problems we do. As two families battle over the suicide of a son, director Evren Odcikin grabs and holds our attention with wit, humor, and flare. His five superb actors deliver jewel-like…
Millennial Notes Rajiv Joseph Reveals Secrets in Student-Teacher Struggle by Nico Storrow Bread & Butter Theatre’s “The North Pool” combines great acting with power dynamics, race, and suicide. Rajiv Joseph’s gem of a ‘two-hander’ pits an Arab-American high school student against a shifty, overbearing white Vice-Principal. Dr. Danielson (electric Bruce Avery) invites bewildered student…
Julia Cho Grapples with the Unthinkable, Masterfully by Drew Lehman Sometimes a play just rings true. “Office Hour” by Julia Cho at Berkeley Rep delivers a fine story, first-rate actors, and an eerie set. In this masterful piece, she asks: Does mental illness lead to horrific school shootings, or are discrimination, bullying, and racism…