A Madcap Historical Comedy

Iraq, But Funny

Welcome to Iraq: the original Cradle of Civilization. This ancient region of Mesopotamia is where it’s believed that urban development, written language and great architecture originated. But Iraq’s modern history didn’t actually begin until after World War I, as the area developed in the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. The British, who led the takeover of the country—with an emphasis on “take”— had their authority challenged time and time again. But Lookingglass Theatre Ensemble member, actor and playwright Atra Asdou has created a fast-paced, boisterous play called IRAQ, BUT FUNNY, that relates the country’s turbulent history, as told through five generations of her own family. And, for Lookingglass audiences, it’s really a more of a marvelously madcap historical comedy.

This hilarious panoramic parody of true historical events is filled with the trauma and life-and-death challenges for generations of Asdou’s family. She especially focuses on her strong female ancestors, particularly various mother/daughter relationships. Somehow the playwright manages to infuse all these personal events with loads of broad humor. Hilariously narrated by a bizarre character called The English Gentleman, brilliantly portrayed by Ms. Asdou herself, her examination of Iraq’s developmental past focuses on her family tree. The presentation plays out like an extended Monty Python sketch, with the talented, lithe and limber actress playing a bonkers British John Cleese. Seen through the lives of Asdou’s relatives, we laugh until we cry, while enjoying how humorously her family deals with all of Iraq’s past turmoil.

The production is filled with energy and imaginatively Directed by Assyrian-American theatre artist, Dalia Ashurina. She makes great use of her talented cast and every single inch of The Joan and Paul Theatre at the Water Tower Water Works. The production seems to be given free rein to run wild over Omid Akbari’s expansive Scenic Design. The show’s skillfully painted with Michael Commendatore’s exquisite moving Projections, as well as through the color and texture created through Christine A. Binder’s Lighting Design. Costumer Mara Blumenfeld has created a magnificent array of wardrobe choices for each of the many characters portrayed by her five actors. In particular, the incredible costumes and wigs for Atra Asdou, who plays several very different roles, are both fashion-focused and funny. Kudos, too, go to the stage crew who keep this show running like clockwork.

Ms. Ashurina’s cast is absolutely extraordinary and play their many parts with unbelievable stamina. Astra Asdou holds the entire play in her capable hands. As Actor 5, this gifted artist assumes the role of both storyteller, orchestrator of the proceedings and various oddball characters, both male and female. In many ways, Astra Asdou is the best reason to spend two entertaining hours with this priceless production.

But the play’s incomparable supporting cast is equally fantastic. Gloria Imseih Petrelli is a petite powerhouse as Actor 2. She plays every daughter and young wife throughout five generations of this family, and she does so with a lot of grit and grace. Recently seen in A LIE OF THE MIND at Raven Theatre, as well as in the entertaining MOSQUE4MOSQUE at About Face Theatre, Ms. Petrelli brings all her acting skills to these various roles. This includes playing a comic Saddam Hussein in a metaphorical boxing match with Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini, a role played with vigor and buffoonery by Susaan Jamshidi, as Actor 1. Ms. Jamshidi returns to Lookingglass Theatre after appearing in Mary Zimmerman’s THE ARABIAN NIGHTS. She’s also been seen in the Goodman’s annual A CHRISTMAS CAROL, as Mrs. Cratchit, and more recently at Writers Theatre in EURYDICE. Susaan portays a variety of powerful, often humorous mother roles in this production.

As Actor 4, Sina Pooresmaeil is making his Chicago debut in a number of parts as various young suiters and husbands. Displaying a strong affability and a good sense of comic timing, Sina is warm and winning in this production. And seen on Broadway and in the First National Tour of THE BAND’S VISIT, as well as in the National Tour of THE KITE RUNNER, talented James Rana, as Actor 3, beautifully plays all the father roles in this production.

This highly entertaining dark comic drama is quirky, rapidly-paced and continually offers up unexpected characters and events. The entire production, under the astute Direction of Dalia Ashurina, will amaze and amuse theatergoers from beginning to end. Playwright and leading player, Atra Asdou is the star of this show. She has beautifully written a captivating comedy of errors that both details the history of Iraq, while also showcasing her family tree in a perfectly madcap historical comedy.                

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented May 29-July 20 by Lookingglass Theatre Company, 821 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available by calling the box office at 312-337-0665 or by going to www.lookingglasstheatre.org.

Further information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.