Humor Amongst the Heartbreak

Twice, Thrice, Frice – Silk Road Rising

In this polished and beautifully performed world premiere production, Fouad Teymour’s captivating story of a relationship between three Muslim women bursts with life and love. In a mere 100 minutes, the playwright introduces the Western world to the often controversial Islamic practice of men taking more than one wife. Teymour’s drama is laced with an abundance of humor, which helps soften the heartbreak that the ladies will  experience. 

Gathered in the kitchen following a dinner party, with the unseen men holding court in the next room, Amira and her two friends, Khadija and Samara, discuss and debate how moral it is that the Muslim religion, even in twenty-first century America, allows a man to marry several women. Middle-age Amira states that, sanctioned or not by their religion, she still thinks it’s cheating. Youngest friend, Samara, argues that this is the word of Allah and, as such, it should not be questioned or even debated. Khadija, the elder member of this sisterhood of friends, is non-committal and says she can see both sides of the coin. That is until the situation hits home.

With an affair, a marriage, a career change, and other dramatic situations suddenly arising, this one-act, nicely directed by Patrizia Acerra, showcases the talents of the three superb actresses who breathe life into Teymour’s drama. She’s cleverly staged the play upon Jose Manuel Diaz-Soto’s chic, economical set, which skillfully incorporates several different locations into one, unified, multilevel scenic design. All three actresses bring their A-game to this production. Annalise Raziq is extremely likable as Khadija. She easily elicits all our compassion and empathy as her character’s comfortable life eventually begins to crumble. She’s also the mistress of the one-line zinger, and her comments land on target with a sizzle. Ms. Raziq’s experience and expertise as an award-winning storyteller at The Moth helps her share Khadija’s heartfelt tale. 

Catherine Dildilian, whose astounding performance in Silk Road Rising’s mesmerizing production of “Through the Elevated Line,”  is again wonderful as Amira. Enjoyed on stages all over Chicagoland, Ms. Dildilian is beautiful, engaging and knows how to precisely balance subtle comedy with deeply personal drama. Her character is in full command throughout most of this play, serving as both friend and mediator for the other two ladies. however, when suddenly her own life seems to be teetering on the precipice, we care intensely about the outcome of her dilemma. 

A recent Northwestern University graduate, Marielle Issa plays Samara with passionate conviction. Like most young women of her age, Samara is unflinching in her views. The talented actress creates a strong character who’s a devote believer in Allah and knows that, by following her heart, everything will work out in the end. Or will it?

Fouad Teymour’s entertaining and enlightening new play both instructs Western audiences in certain Islamic beliefs, while it impresses theatergoers with its poignant story about the rights of contemporary Muslim women. Generously peppered with comedy and humorous one-liners, peopled with three fascinating female characters, and carefully and artfully directed by the talented Patrizia Acerra, this world premiere offers both an enjoyable and educational evening of theatre.

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented October 1-November 10 by Silk Road Rising at the lower level of The Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington, St., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the door, by calling 312-857-1234 x201, or by going to www.silkroadrising.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.