Producing new shows is never an easy task, but it is one that Premiere Stages does very well. Continuing in this fine tradition, the Company now presents Yasmina’s Necklace. This new production is truly one of Premiere Stages finest offerings yet. The subject matter is timely and relevant to all as the concerns of parents for the welfare of their children at any age plays out.
The writing of the story by Rohina Malik is imaginative and yet realistic. A strong cast brings the show to life, and excellent special effects enhance special moments of the production. The only down side is that it has a short run; the last show runs this coming Sunday, Sept. 22.
The story centers on two families, each of whom are struggling to establish themselves in the United States. Both families are Muslim and both have parents who believe in the traditional arranged marriage for their children. Playwright Rohina Malik has crafted a show that combines some moments of humor but other intensive moments; a few of which catch you by surprise. Malik’s play very gradually unfolds the secrets that immigrant Yasmina brought with her when she and her father, immigrated to the United States from war torn Iraq via Syria.
Yasmina’s Necklace is under the direction of Kareem Fahmy. Mr. Fahmy’s attention to detail in the show is critical to understanding all that is playing out. Some of it is understated but just enough to allow playgoers to capture the essence of the action.
I highly recommend seeing Yasmina’s Necklace as this is a play that will stay with you for a very long time. In this age of concerns for different religions and nationalities, it is important to examine the struggles that people go through in seeking immigration. It also brings out the terrible toll that war has taken on the Middle East and what it has done to its culture and most of all, the people.
A Timely Story About Families and Their Concerns for Their Children
The play opens by introducing Abdul Samee. His father is Iraqi and mother is Puerto Rican who is a convert to the Muslim faith. They are a strong family unit. Abdul has changed his name to Sam to sound more American as he works in a corporation. He also is recently divorced from an American which is very upsetting to his parents. He basically does things to act more American in order to turn away from his heritage. The concept of what Abdul does is serious. However, playwright Malik skillfully brings in some humor as the discussion between parents and son takes place. The universality of some of their concerns and things said allows the audience to be able to relate to their concerns.
As the scene with the Samee family is ending, they announce their plans to introduce Abdul to Yasmina. Abdul is not pleased. However, he does go with his parents to the family apartment. Yasmina’s mother was killed while the family was still in Iraq so only she and her father are together. The character of the father is delightful to watch and listen to some of the ways he tries to be both mother and father. Yasmina is also not pleased about the idea of an arranged marriage and as she and Abdul talk, she discloses plans for starting a not for profit organization to help people immigrating. That plan intrigues Abdul who becomes involved by helping her set it up. As time passes, he also becomes interested in her romantically eventually leading to marriage. However, as he attempts to get closer to her, she puts up roadblocks and remains private about why.
Good Staging Adds Much to the Plot as it Unfolds
There are many things in Yasmina’s past that haunt her. The pieces are very carefully unfolded during the play in the form of flashback sequences. Her flashbacks to her escape from Iraq and time spent in Syria, especially in a prison, are assisted by excellent use of lighting. The lighting casts an eerie effect so that when her longtime friend enters, one can sense that this is a part of her daytime or nighttime dreams. The significance of the necklace is unveiled in one of these dream sessions. And when the Officer approaches, brighter lighting brings a more intense feel to the action critical to understand what has occurred.
As excellent as this play is, I hesitate writing much more about what unfolds and how it ends. This is one production that people need to be open to and allow the facets of live theater to bring the story to life. The group I went with spent awhile in the parking lot talking it out before we headed down the road for our traditional after dinner at the Mark Twain Diner. We heard others discussing it at their cars, too. Yes, it has that much of an impact on the audience.
The Cast
Fine acting is another important part of Yasmina’s Necklace. The cast includes Layan Elwazani as Yasmina and Cesar J. Rosado as Abdul/Sam. Eliud Kauffman plays dual roles as Ali and Man. Robert Manning, Jr.is Iman Kareen and the Officer. Haythem Noor plays Musa, Peter Romano plays Amir, and Socorro Santiago portrays Sara.
Additional Information about Yasmina’s Necklace:
Running Time: Approx. 2 hours with one intermission
Location: Premiere Stages in the Bauer Boucher Theatre Center on the Kean University main campus in Union, N.J.
Performances: Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm, and Sundays at 3:00 pm. The 8:00 pm performance on Thursday, September 12 will now take place at 11 a.m. to accommodate area students. The run for this show is through Sept. 22, 2019.
Contact for Info and Tickets: Call the box office at 908-737-7469 or visit Premiere Stages online at www.premierestagesatkean.com.
PHOTO: Cesar J. Rosado as Sam and Layan Elwazani as Yasmina in the Premiere Stages production of Yasmina’s Necklace by Rohina Malik. Photo by Mike Peters
Infusing a classical oratorio with blues, gospel, jazz and soul, this musical and visual journey investigates human experiences of time and memory alongside powerful physical forces that shape the universe. Our exploration emphasizes the significance of the ritual of gathering for live performance in an increasingly screen-focused world.
Featuring the students of the Lewis Center as the cast and crew, this production is the first non-professional performance of this important new work which premiered in 2022 in New York City to great critical acclaim.
Directed by visiting Iranian artist and director Nikoo Mamdoohi, with English to Latin translations by Greg Taubman, Princeton Class of 2006, the professional team includes music direction by Emma Sway, music supervision by Solon Snider Sway, set design by Afsoon Pajoufar, lighting design by Kelley Shih, sound design by Kay Richardson, costume design by Keating Debelak, choreography by Sariel Golomb, and stage management by Milan Eldridge, Princeton Class of 2020. Juniors Lota Alagbe and Peyton McLaughlin serves as dramaturgs.
