Review: 'DISGRACED' at UNICORN THEATRE in Kansas City

Disgraced

Disgraced is the story of corporate lawyer Amir Kapoor (Alexander Salamat) who is an American Born, Muslim-raised New Yorker, into mergers and acquisitions. Amir Kapoor is living a wonderful life: he is happy, in love with his Caucasian wife Emily (Molly Denninghoff), and about to land the biggest promotion of his career. But when he briefly helps his Pakistani-American nephew Abe (Michael Thayer) with a case defending a man of Muslim faith, Amir's career and personal life begin to suffer. When Amir and his artist wife, Emily, host an intimate dinner party with their two colleagues and friends, he begins to realize that the life he has built for himself may be a façade. Making matters worse, Amir discovers that work colleague Jory (Shawna Pena-Downing) has been made partner at the law firm over him. He discovers the partners are suspicious about his activities and feel he misled them when he was hired. Their conversation intensifies as their sparing over religion and race turns into direct confrontation. Amir learns that Jory's husband Isaac (Matt Rapport) and his beloved Emily had an affair while they were on a business trip, leading to an explosive show down. As his marriage disintegrates accusations are spoken, truths are revealed and Amir's life is changed forever. Ayad Akhtar's play, the Pulitzer Prize-winner for Drama in 2013, "Disgraced" questions whether we are ever far from our heritage and the upbringing that shapes our individual lives.

The Unicorn has not shied away from the gravity of this material. There are underlying moments of comedy, as there would be within the everyday life of a couple, but the thought-provoking issues make it the captivatingly touching work it is. Akhtar has opened a door to show us a modern Americana that looks closely at how traditions often guide our actions from an almost instinctual level. The religious traditions have become so culturally ingrained that they, at times, appear more important than nationality. This play, however, does not solicit sympathy for any religion, culture, or nationality, but rather seeks to show the many ways those very things create internal conflict. Internal conflict can unconsciously foster self-loathing and anger, which in turn can culminate into vastly different individual actions. As "thought-provoking" as the show is, there are many little twists and turns that build momentum.

Directed by Sidonie Garrett, this Unicorn production shines with a brilliant cast that breathes life into a story of love, religion, and disgrace. The upscale set has a New York feel thanks to designer Tristan James. Alexander Salamat brings Amir to life with a strong and thoughtful performance. The audience can sense his inner conflict as he navigates a high stakes career while at odds with his Muslim background. Salamat delivers with a demeanor that is convincingly authentic yet not stereotypical. Mollly Denninghoff gives Emily a delightful, yet understated, artsy vibe. We are convinced, from the beginning, that her focus on the spiritual roots of the Muslim faith as her art inspiration is genuine. Denninghoff makes the couple's relationship seem viable even as she finds it increasingly threatened by her husband's complex moods. Michael Thayer, as cousin Abe, is a perfect Muslim counterpoint to Amir. Thayer acts with an inner fire that allows his character's position to evolve throughout the production. Thayer gives the audience a sense that he has nothing to lose, as the cousin contemplates what seems inevitable. Matt Rapport is a charmingly witty Isaac and performs the role as a successful art curator in an aptly passionate way. His relationship with Jory does not come across particularly sincere which makes sense later in the show. Shawna Pena-Downing, as Jory, has an attention to detail that makes her a standout in this cast. She engages with each of the other characters in a personal way that makes the audience sense they have been friends for years. Her confident manner convincingly articulates a woman who has wrestled her way to the top. She gives Jory class and spunk without making a caricature of the role. Her on stage movements have purpose and meaning - right down to the last swig out of the cocktail glass before dinner. A special shout out to Emily Swenson (Properties Designer) and Retro Inferno, a local KC furniture store for the added touches that compliment this production.

Why you should see this show: Disgraced is a compelling drama that sorts through many of the background stories that make up today's headline news. Its timeliness will resonate with audiences as this talented cast swiftly maneuvers through a script that shows a complex world filled with many religions, and ideals, in a time when nationalism is front and center. It is today's world with the veneer pulled back so the raw foundation is revealed.

Disgraced runs October 18 through November 12 at the Unicorn Theatre 3828 Main St. Kansas City, MO For tickets call 816-531-7529 or online at UNICORNTHEATRE.ORG

Photos courtesy of the Unicorn Theatre

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