In a gripping production of Salmah Sabawi’s play ‘Them,’ the University of Oregon examines life in a city under siege, showcasing the struggles of a young couple, Leila and Omar, as they navigate the daily terror of conflict while embracing moments of normalcy.
The heart of the play lies in the couple’s relationship; they engage in arguments, share endearments, and care for their infant son. But the tranquility of their family life is repeatedly shattered by the imminent threat of bombs.
Directed by UO theater professor Malek Najjar, ‘Them’ presents a nuanced portrayal of its characters, emphasizing their humanity even amid the chaos of war. Live Middle Eastern music performed by Acoustic Pilgrims enhances the atmosphere before each scene, contrasting moments of joy with the harsh realities of conflict, as evident when some men on stage share laughter while brandishing rifles.
The intricate balance between the couple’s daily life and the surrounding violence is particularly striking in Omar (Akash Dhruva) and Leila’s (Zayne Clayton) home. A vibrant red-patterned rug and a baby’s belongings offer a glimpse of their family life, while the sounds of gunfire and bomb blasts remind audiences of the danger lurking outside.
The couple’s first appearance during an air raid sets a poignant tone. Their silhouettes, hunched beneath a tablecloth, evoke the constant threat posed by warfare, blending normalcy with terror.
Clayton and Dhruva deliver compelling performances, infusing their characters with intimacy and realism. Their conversations shift from tender moments to heated debates about survival strategies. Leila envisions fleeing to Sweden, captivated by images from her parents. In contrast, Omar voices his reservations about the risks of migration, including the potential dangers of the journey and the uncertainty of acceptance.
As the narrative unfolds, the musical interludes heighten the tension, with Denise Gilbertson’s enthusiastic tambourine raps contributing to the urgency of the couple’s situation. Each scene builds anxiety as Leila and Omar consider their dwindling options for escape.
The arrival of Salma, Omar’s sister, escalates the tension significantly. Brilliantly portrayed by Dré Slaman, Salma embodies determination and resilience. Having survived her own ordeal, she represents a stark contrast to Leila and Omar’s indecision. Her fierce resolve to assist her brother and sister-in-law presents complex dilemmas, juxtaposing personal morality with the instinct to survive.
Salma’s presence enriches the narrative, bringing to light themes of gender roles and societal divisions exacerbated by war. While the couple struggles with economic hardship after Omar lost his job due to bombings, Salma thrives as a marriage broker, further complicating the dynamics between them.
Omar grapples with perceptions of masculinity, as his friends challenge his manhood. Their jests about a past failed sacrifice heighten his internal conflicts about accepting Salma’s aid. Meanwhile, Leila must reconcile her disdain for Salma’s lifestyle choices with the pressing need to preserve her child’s future.
Omar’s naive hope for peace stands in stark contrast to the harsh reality, forcing audiences to question the moral implications of the characters’ decisions. This duality encapsulates Sabawi’s personal narrative, drawing from her family’s experiences fleeing Palestine in 1967 and her inspiration to write ‘Them’ during a tense moment in Finland in 2015.
Sabawi’s deep investment in the production reflects her commitment to its themes, and she waived her royalties to support Najjar’s adaptation. The collaborative effort of the director, student actors, and designers culminates in a performance that prompts viewers to reflect on their responses to such dire circumstances.
Throughout the production, the line dividing ‘us’ and ‘them’ becomes increasingly blurrier, highlighting the detrimental effects of such divisions on humanity. As the characters confront life-altering choices in their fight for survival, the audience is left to contemplate their own moral bearings amidst the chaos.
As ‘Them’ runs through August 23 at Portland Center Stage, it serves as a stark reminder of the human experience in the face of relentless chaos and despair, urging a deeper understanding of what it means to be human when under siege.
image source from：orartswatch
