“Selling Kabul” Excels
By Cate Rees-Hessel
Northlight Theatre’s production of “Selling Kabul” is a gripping theatrical masterpiece – Hamid Dehghani’s direction is magnificent. This Pulitzer finalist play by Sylvia Khoury tells the sad and frightening story of an Afghan, a former interpreter for the departed American forces, who must remain in hiding for the safety of his loved ones. The four-person cast of Owais Ahmed (Taroon), Ahmad Karnal (Jawid), Aila Ayilam Peck (Afiya), and Shadee Vossoughi (Leyla) brings the drama home with perfection, each giving flawless performances. Though a heavy subject, there are moments of humor and hope – the tale of family and new birth is thread through this very dramatic one act.
The women’s roles are traditionally defined as one would expect from a culture controlled by the Taliban, but the female characters go beyond the kitchen and maternity ward. These two ladies have an inner core of strength. Aila’s Afiya is a wife and sister that anxiously supports her brother, sister-in-law, husband and brand-new nephew – her character is very realistic and well defined. Shadee as Leyla, the quirky neighbor gives a breath taking electrifying performance of character progression, transitioning from a flighty nosy busybody to a lioness that will do anything to protect her cub.
Afiya’s husband is played by Ahmad, and he is loaded with stage presence; his character shows that still waters can run very deep. Owais brings the interpreter Taroon to sharp life, a man living in fear, missing his family, and desperately wanting to see his wife and new baby boy. His performance is stellar and quite believable, hiding in the closet of his sister’s apartment for fear of capture, the audience sympathetic to his plight.
This talented group of four performers brings the story to stirring, unsettling life – yes, it’s heart wrenching to be told and Northlight tells it with perfection. This play might make you shed tears but it’s also soul cleansing. I was rooting for these families to somehow get past the incredible tragedy and find peace. “Selling Kabul” makes no judgment, it simply illuminates a harsh reality and educates those watching the drama unfold.
No review of this show would be complete without mentioning the very realistic set. Northlight Theatre’s scenic setups are always top of the line, and this one by Joseph Johnson is definitely no exception. Sound design by Josh Schmidt and lighting by Maximo Grano de Oro add terrible beauty to this most professional production. Don’t miss this must see theatrical work, now only through February 25th; for tickets or more information, please see www.northlight.org.
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