Gripping and Horrifying

Selling Kabul

Sylvia Khoury’s contender for the 2022 Pulitzer Prize in Drama is a gripping and ultimately horrifying story that’s ripped from today’s headlines. Taroon is a young man who’s been left behind by American armed forces in his native Afghanistan. Because he served as an interpreter for the military who left the country in 2021, Taroon is no longer safe in his own homeland. In fact, due to the rise in power of the perilously dangerous Taliban, Taroon and his family and friends’ very existence are continually at risk. 

While he’s spent many frustrating months hiding out at his sister and brother-in-law’s tiny apartment, Taroon has been impatiently waiting and hoping for a visa to arrive from his American friend.  With this document he would be able to take his wife and escape the dangers of Afghan. Making his confinement even more infuriating is the fact that Bebe, Taroon’s wife, is about to give birth to their first child. Afiya, Taroon’s brave and deeply devoted sister, does everything in her power to keep her brother safe, while constantly quashing his angry outbursts that would give away his safekeeping. She and her husband, Jawid, provide food, shelter and companionship for the young man. But their biggest challenge is in constantly persuading Taroon that he cannot leave their cramped flat. It would be catastrophic because, besides his own life, so many others hang in the brink.

Director Hamid Dehghani, who was seen in Northlight’s recent, brilliant production of “Andy Warhol in Iran,” does a masterful job guiding this new production. Bringing out the very best in his talented cast, Mr. Dehghani fosters the tension and anxiety of the situation in Khoury’s well-constructed 90-minute drama. He’s particularly skillful at allowing unexpected moments of humor to surface now and then. They serve to bring relief to the ever-growing suspense, while contrasting with the constantly impending dread and horror.

The cast is impeccable. Handsome Owais Ahmed gives the performance of his life as Taroon. He’s absolutely flawless as a young man who is totally frustrated by how his life has been turned upside down by the war and the rise of the Taliban. Mr. Owais has appeared in “The Qualms” at Steppenwolf, “The Invisible Hand” at Steep Theatre and “Guards at the Taj” at Milwaukee Rep, among many other credits. Hopefully we’ll see more of his work in the near future.

As Afiya, Alla Ayilam Peck is the heart and soul of this play. Returning to Northlight after appearing in “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley,” Ms. Peck recently starred in “Night Watch” at Raven Theatre. She’s an accomplished actress who has appeared on many Chicago stages in a variety of roles. In this production the actress keeps all the plates spinning in the air while the constant threat of danger is forever at her doorstep.  Through her outstanding performance we see, hear and feel everything.

Shadee Vossoughi is excellent as Leyla, Afiya’s busybody neighbor and close friend. A wife and mother of a young baby, Leyla knows nothing about Taroon’s whereabouts. She suspects something but strives to help Afiya with her ailments, handiwork and personal problems, while bringing light and humor into the story. Afiya’s devoted husband, Jawid, suffers through the stress and hardship to help his wife in aiding Taroon. In this role, Ahmad Kamal is courageous in his commitment to his family and friends. His care and stouthearted strength provides both his wife and brother-in-law a staunchly loyal accomplice. In spite of the danger and physical pain that his character is experiencing, Mr. Kamal’s character is the hero of this play.

Northlight’s newest production is a must-see suspenseful journey for both the characters and the audience. The story plays out in real time, taking place in scenic designer Joseph Johnson’s detailed, claustrophobic apartment setting. The authentic costumes designed by David Arevalo and Mariah Bennett’s specific props, including an important working TV and a laptop computer and router, make this story feel particularly realistic. Hamid has gently guided his gifted and likable cast in telling this gripping story. While entertaining us, Sylvia Khoury’s tension-filled drama puts names and faces to the horrific reality that’s still taking place in a faraway land.         

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented January 25-February 25 by Northlight Theatre, located in the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the theatre box office, by calling 847-673-6300, or by going to www.northlight.org.

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