Few playwrights have the guts to take on some of the most controversial questions in modern society, and even fewer can do it successfully. It's easier to write catchy show tunes and choreograph elaborate dance numbers than it is to face hard questions ― which makes it all the more remarkable when a play can captivate its audience without jazz hands or tap shoes.
"Disgraced" tackles the issues of race, religion, identity and politics in an 85-minute drama that starts as nothing more than a witty rom-com, yet quickly evolves into a raw, timely commentary on American society and its shortcomings.
Read our preview: Herberger Theater stages 'Disgraced,' poses questions of US race and identity
"Disgraced" follows American-born, Muslim-raised lawyer Amir (Elijah Alexander) and his white Fulbright-grantee artist wife Emily (Allison Jean White) in their lavish Upper East Side apartment in
These issues aren't discussed in Shakespeare's works or covered by Sophocles' tragedies. "Disgraced" is unique in its unflinchingly honest look at modern issues that Americans face today. Although the play debuted in 2012, not much has changed in the last three years in terms of
Simply put, the acting in the ATC production is exceptional. Alexander embodies Amir with a perfect mix of bluster and gallantry, so the audience can sympathize with him even if they don't personally relate to his ethical struggle. White portrays Emily as supportive without being a pushover, and Lewis and Baird masterfully transition from the couple's friends to opponents as the conversation turns into a tense battle of opinions and beliefs.
But this isn't one of those plays where the audience can boo the antagonist and cheer when the hero saves the day. Not one of the characters, in fact, is inherently unpleasant or evil, which makes their arguments complex and captivating. Ayad Akhtar, the playwright who won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2012 for "Disgraced," doesn't offer any particular answers. By the end of the play, much has been said about race, religion and politics, but there are no concrete statements or morals. Instead, it forces the audience to confront their own perceptions (and perhaps misperceptions) of Islam and other religions and cultures in
Bottom line: Go see it. "Disgraced" is a vivid, fast-paced exploration of identity that forces the audience to face uncomfortable questions. While it doesn't offer the answers, it does start the conversation.
"Disgraced" runs from Nov. 12 to 29 at the Herberger Theater in downtown Phoenix.
Reach the reporter at skylar.mason@asu.edu or follow @skylarmason42 on Twitter.
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