Review: 4,380 NIGHTS is a Vital Story, but Lacks Cohesion at Signature Theatre

Imagine 12 years of one's life just gone. Vanished entirely in a swirl of torture and injustice. In Signature Theatre's 4,380 Nights, written by Annalisa Dias and directed by Kathleen Akerley, years of Malik Essaid's life wastes away. Essaid (Ahmad Kamal), who is a suspected terrorist, becomes trapped within the walls of Guantanamo Detention Center even though he knows that he has done nothing wrong. However, he isn't entirely alone. His lawyer Bud Abramson (Michael John Casey) is trying to assist him in getting out of the walls that trap him. Within Guantanamo's walls, Malik is in constant fear of his tormentors including Luke Harrison (Rex Daugherty). In parallel with Malik's own story is another tale of his ancestor, El Hadj El Kaim, and other tales told by a woman (Lynette Rathnam) to a man (Michael John Casey). 4,380 Nights is essentially two different plays, which makes it often hard to follow due to the lack of cohesion, but there are still glimpses of a play in which the message of hope rings quietly over fear and hate.

Ahmad Kamal and Michael John Casey, who along with the rest of the cast play two different characters each, shine the most as what is referred to as "the story of the man in the prison." Ahmad Kamal breathes life into Malik. Kamal takes Malik, who is labeled as a terrorist, and transforms him into someone who is just another human being trying to live his life. One can't help but feel Malik's pain as one watches Kamal act out being tortured during an interrogation. It is heart-wrenching to watch and the image manages to stick with one even hours afterwards. Michael John Casey shines as Malik's lawyer, Bud Abramson, especially in one particular scene of compassion as he shares a meal with Malik.

With 4,380 Nights being part of the 2018 Women's Voices Theater Festival, it is hard to understand why the only character within the production who is a woman wouldn't have a name and remain in the stereotypical role of "the woman as the storyteller." As the only woman in the cast, Lynette Rathnam, who plays the nameless woman, holds on her own on stage. Rathnam's role stands out the most during the story about a "woman who was buried under stone." The way Rathnam tells the tale is captivating. It is perhaps one of the stronger and resonating side tales within 4,380 Nights.

4,380 Nights falls short at many production aspects, but it overall particularly lacks cohesion. There are multiple points in which the switching between stories doesn't transition smoothly. It feels jolting to go from one story to another when one is just starting to get familiar with the main story of Malik. While the relationship between ancestors and descendants is an interesting topic of exploration, it didn't seem necessary to include this exploration in a story that needs to focus on giving Malik and those who have dealt with suffering injustices of human rights a voice.

Despite lack of cohesion, 4,380 Nights is a play which attempts to reach out to tell a story which is vital to tell at this moment in history.

Running time: About 2 hours, including one intermission

The world premiere of 4,380 Nights, which is part of the 2018 Women's Voice Theater Festival, plays at the Signature Theatre - 4200 Campbell Ave in Arlington, Virginia - through February 18, 2018. For tickets call the box office at 703-820-9771 or purchase them online at https://www.sigtheatre.org/events/2017-18/4380-nights/.

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