Boston's Huntington Theatre production of "The Cry of the Reed"

[folkyboy]

Posted: 4/16/08 at 4:47pm

Last night I ended up going to see the Huntington Theatre's production of The Cry of the Reed. Since this is a word premiere, I knew nothing about the show other than the small blurb that was mentioned on the Huntington Theatre's website about the show. In fact, had I have not already had a subscription to the theatre company, I probably would not have given this show a chance.

However, I am knocking myself in the head for those initial thoughts. This show completely blew me away! The storyline revolves around a young American passing as a Turkish journalist in Iraq in 2004. She's got some problems with her mother and boyfriend back home and has dragged another journalist with her to study "the plight of the people of Iraq". And while, certainly, the plot line sounds a bit cliché when mapped out for you, I can guarantee that it grips right into your psyche the moment the story begins.

The acting in this production is phenomenal! Lisa Birnbaum delivers a believable character as Sevgi, searching for many things in her life and attempting at the same time to run from the things that haunted her in the past. Her mother, Ayla (played by Cigdem Onat), was both endearing and heart-wrenching as she discussed her feelings toward being a Muslim in Turkey and the things that she was running from as well.

This is definitely a play not for everyone as a lot of the subject matter was extremely intense, even for me. The set designs were AWESOME and made you feel as if you were in a sort of bunker being there with these reporters on stage. Sinan Ünel (the playwright) really knows how to take two plotlines and interweave them on stage majestically.

You will see the director of this production, Daniel Goldstein, work his magic again when Godspell comes to Broadway. I felt at times some of his choices were a bit odd considering where the story was heading overall, but was not dissatisfied with the mental image once I left the theatre.

Another amazing show from the Huntington Theatre. If you live in Boston, definitely make an effort to see it!



An article about the Playwright in the Boston Globe Updated On: 4/16/08 at 04:47 PM

[jaystarr]

Posted: 4/16/08 at 5:06pm

I should see this show! though I am booked thru the whole month of April & May for broadway shows..lol!

J*
Updated On: 4/16/08 at 05:06 PM

[folkyboy]

Posted: 4/16/08 at 5:17pm

aw well it's only playing until May 3rd so you better hurry!