August 10, 2013
By Matt Miles
Silk Road Rising’s production of Invasion! is a luridly poignant piece that is not only alarming and grappling, but the talent behind the work (both on stage and off) is engaging and deserves an audience. Unconventional in nature, Invasion! pushes the boundaries of discussion in a way that will engage audiences with unexpected turns. Director Anna Bahow has taken Rachel Willson-Broyles’ admirable translations (Swedish to English) of playful drama and transforms them into a disruptive staging that is curiously memorable.
There are several moments that will simply surprise the viewer and keep everyone engaged because Bahow’s movement and flow have a wonderful proficiency about them. Set (Dan Stratton) & Lighting (Sarah Hughey) designs drop audiences in a colorful mosque setting that whispers the ever-present topical nature of Invasion!, while also adding some interactive set pieces to keep both the actors inventive in character blocking & audiences engaged in action and thought. Peter Storm’s smartly-tabbed sound design lands sequences, character & text influences for a underscoring reminiscent to that of a cinematic experience within the Silk Road’s intimate playing space.
The spirited cast - Kamal Harris, Amira Sabbagh, Glenn Stanton, and Omer Abbas Salem - all take on their personal tracks with vigor and talented storytelling. As each Actor assumes their various caricatures within the ensemble structure of Invasion!, they bring endearing and heartfelt connections to each role and show they are smart in their depictions.