Inspired by actual events, Kareem Fahmy’s play A Distinct Society is timely, engaging, and profoundly relevant and now at Human Race Theatre. Brant Russell, of University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music, directs this moving play which centers on a group of unrelated individuals in a quiet library in a small town, straddling the border between Canada and the United States. Their lives quickly become intertwined.
Background: 2017 Muslim Ban Separated Families
Kylie Flick makes a strong stage debut as Shirin Gilani, an Iranian medical student in the United States. She who longs to reunite with her father, Peyman Gilani (veteran actor James Rana). In 2017, then-President Donald Trump enacted Executive Order 13769. Known as the Muslim Ban, it suspended entry to the United States for individuals from specific countries, including Iran. This law effectively keeps Shirin separated from her ailing father, who is stranded across the border, forcing them to evade laws to meet in a safe location.
Library Provides Sanctuary
Typically peaceful, the neighboring nations face increasing tensions within the enchanting Haskell Free Library and Opera House. The Library is a genuinely historic Victorian-style building dating back to 1901. Inspired by the numerous true stories that have unfolded within its walls, separated families can find solace as they reunite in the free, sacred space inside.
Strong Performances in A Distinct Society
Dayton native Rico Romalus Parker plays American customs agent Bruce Laird. Laird has roots in Detroit and strives to maintain peace as tensions rise due to political maneuvering. Laird faces the challenge of keeping the determined Peyman in check. Peyman has violated customs regulations by smuggling food across the border for his daughter. This situation places Laird in a unique dilemma involving head librarian Manon Desjardins (the well-known and respected actress Kelly Mengelkoch). Also, Laird is romantically interested in the librarian. While seeking adventure in the otherwise quiet library, Desjardins supports the distressed family members, helping facilitate their growing union. She is partly influenced by her family’s involvement in the 1995 separatist movement in Quebec from Canada.
Completing the story is young Declan Sheehan (a solid performance by Oakwood HS student Cooper Schairbaum) who immigrated to Canada from Ireland with his family, only to be abandoned by his father, who returned to his homeland. Declan conceals his emotional turmoil in his graphic comic hero fandom, spending school days in the library. He positions himself on both sides of the looming struggle, illustrating how everyday people’s lives are changed by the seemingly indifferent legislature.
Great Design Illustrates Beauty and Divide
The beautiful set (Mark Halpin) effectively captures the ambiance of the historic Victorian-era library with its sturdy, warm, and inviting wooden panels. The large bay windows evoke the feeling of looking out over the expansive countryside and appreciating the beauty of both nations. However, they also overlook the conflicts between border police and citizens in the parking lot, the relentless bad weather, and the stark reminders to comply with oppressive laws. Lighting Designer is Darin Keesing (also influential in those windows) and effective clothing by Cat Schmeal-Swope.
The one-room play also illustrates both sides of the border with an authentic long strip of grip tape that divides the two sides–and our perspectives.
Overall, a Thought Provoking Story
A Distinct Society is a thought-provoking and insightful contemporary story. I recommend it because it is ironically prophetic. It addresses the escalating tensions between neighboring countries amid Mr. Trump’s reelection. Trump’s team includes an even stronger agenda, suggesting his desire to seize control of the country after threatening high tariffs.
The play also explores our human instincts. How and why we treat each other respectfully or indignantly, often superficially across mentally and physically invisible borders.
Tickets to A Distinct Society
A Distinct Society runs through February 16 at Dayton’s Human Race Theatre Company. Get tickets and explore additional programming HERE. Their Loft Theatre is right next to the Victoria Theatre, 126 N. Main Street, Suite 300, Dayton, Ohio 45402.
