With the rhetoric in our country so divisive, and the conflicts in the Middle East drawing us in to tensions with Iran, this play could not be more timely. A Going Away Party Play begins when Mina (Mehrnaz Mohammadi) throws a party for her closest friends IN CASE she has to leave town suddenly. Against a tinsel party-backdrop (lavishly designed by Stephen Gifford), the fun is slated to begin. But, at rise, Mina’s motivation makes no sense. She is the American-born daughter of a British mother and Iranian father. Her circle of friends come from many ethnicities and seem firmly ensconced in America’s social landscape. So why the jitters?
Despite the party games, playwright Keyanna Khatiblou’s saavy examination of the very real issues in American democracy unfold as Mina contrasts hopes for a democratic Iran after the fall of the Shah with our current political situation. To tell the story, the young cast moves easily from past to present, playing shifting roles. Mina’s friends Kate (Kodi Jackman) and Ryan (Nathan Mohebbi) effectively double as Mina’s parents, Caroline and Basir, while Mateo (Giovanny Camarena) and Debbie (Cindy Nguyen) play more characters. Mina herself doubles as her revolutionary aunt, Niloofar.
For me, the crux of the discussion comes in the form of a dart game, where the target encapsulates all aspects of democracy. In the center of the Democracy Target sits the goal (or is it?) “blissful utopia.” The next circle encompasses “full democracy,” then “flawed democracy,” and “hybrid regime,” followed by “authoritarian regime,” and finally, at the outside there are little flames announcing “actual hell.” As the players aim for the center, they land variously, but it is clear: “Democracy has to be chosen.”
To bring this thoughtful and important play to life, director James Fowler brings many extraordinary talents together, including set designer Gifford, Costumer Mylette Nora, Lighting by Gavin Wyrick, compositions by John Nobori, and the all-important props courtesy of Cindy Campos. Catch it as soon as you can!
A Going Away Party Play runs through October 27th, playing Mondays and Saturdays at 8 pm & Sundays 2 pm at Boston Court Theatre, 70 N, Mentor Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106. (There is free parking is available directly behind the building) For reservations, phone: (626) 683-6801. Or, for online ticketing, go to: https://bostoncourtpasadena.org/events/agoingawaypartyplay/
