By Deanna Dement Myers
“The space between the words is where the ache lies.”
A charming young refugee, Nazrullah, brilliantly played by Shawn K. Jain, shows up at the home of retired University of Nebraska professor, Harold Banks (Ken Batlin). We soon learn that Nazrullah was a teacher at the same school in Afghanistan as Bank’s adopted daughter, Getee. At first, Harold mistrusts this young man, mistaking him for a repairman. It becomes clear they share a bond through their complicated relationships with Getee, played by Caitlin Nasema Cassidy, in her first role at the New Rep. Across language barriers, this cast of three weaves time and location to tell a fast-paced story of deep love, strong beliefs and unsettling betrayal. We jump from the present where both Harold and Naz learn to navigate their own relationship without the help of Getee, to the past where we learn the reasons why she felt compelled to visit the land of her birth.
Language plays an important part in this play. Harold often paces the room speaking into a tape recorder trying to capture the right word to describe his thoughts and feelings. It is clear he is a brilliant scholar and precise language is his hallmark. He knows the impact of a well-turned phrase and the audience is treated to great wisdom in his ramblings and his discussions with Naz and Getee.
As we get to know Getee and watch her interactions with Nazrullah, the lack of enough shared language provides a catalyst that draws them together. The Afgani language of Dari is spoken without translation throughout the play, which mimics the inability of the characters to convey vital information to each other. Slowly, Getee and Naz learn more of each other languages; we see them progress from shy formalities, to playful and sarcastic jokes. There are lovely moments when teacher and student roles switches between them as they break down misconceptions and societal expectations. When they come to a greater understanding of each other, so does the audience.
Harold, in the present, grapples with illness affecting his communication skills. Getee and Naz reveal more about the way language is used as a political weapon, while Harold’s ability to communicate effectively devolves. He rails that “Scholars rarely get the chance to fight a war” though we learn this is not always true.
The words of Rumi, contemporary female Afghan poets, and Anne Frank are woven into the story as a way examine the way words can change the world. Getee’s earnest desire for knowledge contrasts with her father’s inability to take ownership of his part in perverting the truth. Nazrullah attempts to bridge understanding and bring a spiritual point of view to both their lives.
Heartland at the New Rep tackles up to the minute issues about politics, propaganda, and family in the intimate, cozy setting of their black box theater. This new play, based on true events, brings to the audience an examination of complicity and accepting responsibility. Beautifully acted, this story has much to offer as we strive to understand larger sociopolitical issues in a personal way. Tickets may be purchased at the box office or by visiting http://www.newrep.org/
