Stage Left does something out of the ordinary...inspires the audience to think

Chicago's Stage Left Theatre (3408 North Sheffield) is currently the home of the World Premiere of Here Where It's Safe.  Written by Stage Left ensemble playwright M.E.H. Lewis and directed by ensemble member Scott Bishop, Here Where It's Safe is running now through April 3^rd.  Here Where It's Safe is the story of an American couple (Zach and Abbie) and how their lives intertwine with a 19 year old Indian mother (Beena).  The former have been struggling on a fruitless quest to have a child, while the latter is attempting to escape her abusive husband.  The desperation of the three characters entangles their lives, leading to surprising, albeit somewhat dangerous, consequences.

M.E.H. Lewis writes a passable play at best.  Yes, Lewis does a great job in raising an interesting social and political debate.  Here Where It's Safe tackles such topics as exploitation, outsourcing and the Catholic Church's position on reproductive rights.  However, some of the characters are sadly underwritten. 

Nevertheless, Scott Bishop's direction of Here Where It's Safe makes the production a must-see.  Bishop makes great use of the small space and does a impressive job in making the audience uncomfortable when they should be.  On a personal note, I have also never met a show directed in the round that I didn't like. 

The performances were moving and I would be remiss if I didn't point out the work of Cat Dean as Abbie and Mouzam Makkar as Beena.  These actresses did a perfect job in fostering the relationship and dynamic between these seemingly polar opposite women. They hooked the audience in and had us empathizing with their plight early on.

Here Where It's Safe is not a perfect show by far, but it's a great production that inspires the audience to think.  For that alone, it should be on your calendar.  Check out www.stagelefttheatre.com for ticket information.

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