Review: TALKING TO TERRORISTS Will Open Your Mind to the Real Reasons for Terrorism

I have been following the productions at the Art of Acting Studio in Hollywood for several years now, ever since I was introduced to the group by actor Michael Keith Allen. And while the talented Mr. Allen was not involved in their current production of "Talking to Terrorists" by Robin Soans, the entire production reminded me of Mr. Allen's "The Laramie Project" production several years ago at the Westchester Playhouse. Both plays take place on a bare stage, populated continuously by the entire cast seated along the side walls where costume pieces hang for quick character changes. But this time, we are listening to the human side of suspected terrorists rather than investigating just one murder in Laramie, Wyoming.

"Talking to Terrorists" is a verbatim, word for word journey into the inner workings of the motivations of what makes a terrorist tick and why they do what they do. By going directly to the source, this unflinching play seeks to answer two of the most important questions of our time: why does this keep happening, and how can we stop it?

The play begins with played recordings from many of the terrorist attacks that have occurred since 9/11. And then we hear the statement, "Talking to terrorists is the only way to beat them. If you want to change their minds, you have to talk to them." Culled from hundreds of hours of interviews with terrorists, victims, politicians, soldiers and scholars, the dialogue and situations described by them are real. During the two-hour play, we hear from terrorists in all the world's hot spots from Ireland, Afghanistan, Turkistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Iraq, Russia, Uganda, Serbia, Palestine, and Israel, just to name a few, as well as leaders from the Western world trying to deal with the ramifications, as well as placing blame, for their attacks.

All the characters are played by eight multi-talented actors who switch identities wand accents with each costume change. Several characters re-visit us several times, showing the progression of their lives, with many having spent several years in jail under suspicion of things they may or not have done. Explanations are given as are reminisces from their lives of pain, neglect, and suffering, sparking their desire to make their lives better no matter the cost. The hardest stories involve tales of their children, many of whom were tortured and killed before their eyes. It's no wonder they have been driver to strike back.

The ensemble features Nicholas Bonanno, Dan Evans, Andria Kozica, Dana Martin, Jess Nurse, Sean Spann, Jesse Steccato, and James Warfield, many of whom are performing in their first Act of Acting production. Director Don K. Williams uses his insight on how to place focus exactly where it belongs by highlighting each scene through brilliant spotlighting designed by Johnny Patrick Yoder and character-specific costumes by Lena Sands. And while the subject matter is intense, you will be driven to put your own fears aside and listen to the terrorists' reasoning as to how and why they got involved in such dangerous tasks and the solutions they seek.

While every actor contributes special moments to the productions, standouts include dark-haired Jess Nurse who plays many Middle-Eastern women fighting for their lives as best they can. She lights up the stage with her intense presence. Andria Kozica is again a force to behold, her fair appearance allowing her to portray many Western women caught up in the two-sided ordeals. With none of the actors credited specifically for the roles they played, each listed as "Actor #1 through #8 only, I may not be able to tell you who plays which character - but I can tell you each portrayal is more brilliant than the last.

During the play, I noticed that each character had a unique pattern of red thread stitched into the thighs of their slacks. While it was never addressed onstage, I asked the director afterwards who told me it was the costumer's choice, while several actors told me it represents the blood shed during battle which each actor designs on their own, increasing the design each week as the play continues through March 5. No doubt by that time, the patterns will be plentiful, beautiful, and chilling at the same time.

The Harold Clurman Laboratory Theater presents "Talking to Terrorists" by Robin Soans, directed by Don K. Williams, from January 30 - March 5, 2016 at the Art of Acting Studio Theater, located at 1017 N. Orange Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90038. Please note the location is in a strip mall between Orange and Sycamore, with free parking onsite. Performances on Friday and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 7pm, with one weeknight performance on Monday, February 15 at 8pm. Tickets are $18. Advanced Reservations Online (Students $5) at www.artofactingstudio.com OR "Pay-What-You-Can" at the door. Box Office Opens 1 Hour Prior to Curtain.

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