“Security”

Highly Recommended ***** Kane Repertory Theatre is a home for professional, intellectually stimulating theatre. They explore the values in America, sparking conversation, evoking empathy and strengthening the community. To be hones, I was unaware of this company until now and I am so thankful to have found them if what I witnessed tonight is a sampling of what we can expect.

Of course, the offering I saw tonight, “Security” written by Hammaad Chaudry and skillfully directed by  Ansley Valentine is filmed for view on one’s computer or smart TV. It is a two person play ( although filmed) in two scenes and will keep you spellbound for  roughly one hour. The two men are played by Eric Roberts ( Brian) a multi-award film nominee and Harsh J. Gagoomal ( Riaz).

The story is about a young man, Riaz, a 17 year old student arriving in New York for the first time. He is stopped by a Homeland Security Officer ( Brian). There is tension between the two characters. One calls what they are having a conversation while the other feels that it is indeed an interrogation . Riaz seems to be a sharp student who is there to visit his brother and is looking to learn more about New York. Brian, on the other hand, seeing that Riaz is “brown skinned, perhaps “one of those” is concerned about the war on Muslims that 911 has brought to the world. They speak politics, boxers, comparing Mike Tyson to Ali and some religion. At last, Brian finishes with his quest and allows Riaz to leave.

The second scene is 13 years later. We are in the home of Brian, who has now retired from his work, has two teen sons and is for  better or worse, alone ( his wife has left him for another). It is a stormy night and a young traveler is having car problems. There is no way to get him help until the morning, so Brian is being cordial. As the two men begin to speak to each other, we can see that the young man resembles Riaz. As the scene goes on we find that he is indeed the young man and we learn that the experience of that night has had a huge impact on his life. Since this is a mystery, that is all I can really say except that in this scene the tables are turned and it is  Riaz asking the questions.

The conversation is tense, the action very strong and what eventually happens is probably the only way this story can end ( for better or worse) so that  every viewer can feel that it is just!

This is strong drama and well acted. Roberts is dynamic and Gagoomal brings great energy to both his young and mature Riaz. TThe hour flies by quickly and at no time was I ever lost in the conversation or the story of each man and their lives. They call this a blend of film and theater. I would call this “filmed theater” This is just one of the New Play Lab productions we can expect from this company. I am looking forward to them, whether on my computer or at a theater.

“Security” is available  thru May 2, 2021

Tickets are $25 for a household, or $10 for an adult, $8 per senior and $5 per student.

visit www.kanerepertorytheatre.com/box-office

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Security”.