The Fourth Walsh

LookingglassTheatre presents the World Premiere of IRAQ, BUT FUNNY.

I’m struggling to even inadequately describe this innovative, interactive and immersive history lesson. Playwright and performer Atra Asdou tells the history of the Assyrian* people from the perspective of five generations of mother/daughter relationships. This semi-autobiographical tale is narrated by Asdou as an English gentleman. Asdou, hysterical AF, recollects the cringeworthy colonization of the Assyrians from the Ottoman Empire to Modern-Day U.S.A. Their displacement, genocide, betrayal and oppression is illustrated through multi-faceted storytelling techniques produced from the wacky genius of Asdou.

Director Dalia Ashurina masterfully orchestrates the comedy, the drama and the history. On Scenic Designer Omid Akbari’s stark desert-inspired set, platforms move, boxing rings emerge and narrators disappear. Akbari’s oversized backdrop showcases a myriad of projections (Designer Michael Salvatore Commendatore). Maps, ancestral talking heads, news clips and film footage are entertaining and informative visual aids to Asdou’s history lesson. In a couple scenes, the movie comes to life as a performer emerges from the canvas. All these vibrant threads weave together for an eclectic storytelling spectacle.    

Asdou is both the creator and star of the show! She zings punch lines, improvs with the audience and delivers a badass Jennifer Coolidge impression. Asdou is nonstop comedic relief from the atrocious facts she is presenting.

Within this satirical framework, the terrific ensemble reenact heartfelt stories over the decades. Susaan Jamshidi and Gloria Imseih Petrelli play generations of mothers and daughters. Aided by Costume Designer Mara Blumenfield, they evolve into next versions of each other. James Rana and Sina Pooresmaeil are the husbands, fathers, brothers and ministers. The guys’ roles are supportive because this show really focuses on Assyrian women. And how for centuries, daughters were told and believed they needed to live their life for the next generation. Jamshidi and Petrelli sing with heartbreaking resignation over illiteracy,  marital imprisonment and not having a voice in their own future.   

IRAQ, BUT FUNNY is the best descriptor! It’s a powerful tutorial on the Middle East that is still very relevant. And it’s pretty damn funny! Asdou spins a tale of gritty reality that’s playfully witty. IRAQ, BUT FUNNY is a show to see… multiple times.    

*Assyrian refers to an Ancient people of Mesopotamia, centered in and named for the city of Assur (located in modern day Iraq).     

Running Time: Two hours and thirty minutes includes an intermission.

At Lookingglass Theatre, 163 E. Pearson

Written by Atra Asdou

Directed by Dalia Ashurina

Performances are:

Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7 PM

Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays at 1:30 PM

Thru July 20

For more information or tickets

Production photos by Ricardo Adame

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