Seattle Review: 9 Parts of Desire

In times of great tragedy, human instinct seems to urge us to ignore rather than confront.  "The news is too disturbing" seems to be the new catchphrase for many Americans who refuse to acknowledge our involvement in and connection to Iraq/>/>.  Heather Raffo's brilliant 9 Parts of Desire confronts the American psyche and our need to find distance from a country we are forever linked to.  Seattle Repertory Theatre's fearless production comes at a time when audiences need to see the truth that our government seems intent on concealing.  We need to see the faces that are being destroyed.

Based on 11 years of interviews on 4 continents, Raffo's dense text takes us deep into the hearts and minds of Iraqi women.  These women speak candidly of the struggles of war, the loss of love, and the daily tortures that frequent their lives. We meet the richest of the rich and the poorest of the poor. Raffo places her American audience inside of these women, frequently speaking of our undeniable connection to the land and people of Iraq/>/>.

Though Raffo's work is clearly political, the humanistic approach throughout is most remarkable. Who are these women? Why do we as Americans feel a need to remove ourselves from them? What are we accomplishing by ignoring them? Raffo shows us that we are forever linked to a people we stereotype based on the actions of one man. Our similarities are countless and unavoidable.  9 Parts of Desire also provides an unflinching look at the sexuality of Iraqi women. These women are confronted daily with threats to their bodies, and speak candidly of the atrocities they have faced.  Raffo's work never forces its audience to feel guilty or responsible. These stories are naturally powerful.

In a work originally performed by Raffo, Naija Said is able to make the material just as personal and powerful. She embodies each character with a fearless tenacity that is a wonder to behold.  Said holds the audience in the palm of her hand as she weaves through the varied experiences of these remarkable women.  Her work is free of the pomp and circumstance frequent to solo work. She transforms herself quickly in a truly breathtaking fashion.  Said is not acting, she is being.   

Director Joanna Settle guides 9 Parts of Desire with an appropriately gentle touch.  Nothing is pushed for the sake of theatricality.  Realism is the guiding force behind this production. Settle knows when to pull in and back off. She balances the intense moments with quiet choices that allow us to pause for reflection. The material builds naturally, resulting in a truly breathtaking finale. 

Antje Ellermann's stunningly realistic scenic design instantly transports.  We are able to visually connect to the destruction of this country. Destroyed buildings, mounds of garbage, and a dirty river that runs across the stage keep us firmly grounded in this fractured environment. There is a palpable sense of danger throughout.  Ellermann is greatly aided by Peter West's tense lighting that gives texture to each scene.  Kasia Walicka Maimone's deceptively complex costumes give Said the versatility needed to embody these women.  Obadia Eaves' blaringly appropriate sound design makes each transition powerful. Every detail in each design perfectly aids the material.

9 Parts of Desire is as much about America/> as it is Iraq/>/>.  Raffo finds a strong thread that allows her audience to connect instantly. Seattle Rep's has given us a production that has the power to incite change.  You will likely leave this exquisite performance finding most of the annoyances in your life banal in comparison to the struggles the Iraqi people. We live in a world divided by ignorance and fear. Raffo's ability to bring us steps closer to each other is a truly remarkable achievement.  While everyone needs a little escape from time to time, the work these artists are doing in Seattle/>/> (and worldwide) is full of the depth, sensitivity, and power that makes theatre so crucial in times like these. 

9 Parts of Desire runs through April 15^th at Seattle Repertroy Theatre.  For tickets call (206) 443-2222, or visit www.seattlerep.org

Picutred: Naija Said

Photo by Chris Bennion

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