“Scorched”

By Stephanie Wright Hession

Arts and Culture writer

In Wajdi Mouawad’s “Scorched,” translated into English by Linda Gaboriau, twins Janine (Annie Purcell) and Simon (Babak Tafti) embark on an emotionally wrenching, personal odyssey to an unnamed, Middle Eastern country. Spurred by the death of their mother Nawal, they travel to her native land to disentangle a tragic family mystery. 

Directed by Carey Perloff, American Conservatory Theater’s West Coast premiere of “Scorched” opened Wednesday, Feb. 16. The production features strong performances by Purcell, Marjan Neshat as Nawal ages 14 to 40, Jacqueline Antaramian as Nawal at 60 and in supporting roles, David Strathairn as Canadian notary Alphonse Lebel, Omozé Idehenre as Nawal's devoted friend Sawda, Manoel Felciano in various roles and Apollo Dukakis as the twins' grandmother Nazira.

Waves of violence stemming from a brutal civil war dominate the horrific flashbacks of Nawal’s life, which shock the audience. Unfortunately, the script contains superfluous dialogue and the sluggish plot takes too long to resolve.

“Scorched,” through March 11 at the American Conservatory Theater, 415 Geary St., S.F. $10-$85. (415) 749-2228, www.act.-sf.org.

 

Top photo: David Strathairn as Canadian notary Alphonse Lebel and Annie Purcell as Janine.

Bottom photo: Marjan Neshat as Nawal ages 14 to 40, Manoel Felciano as a militiaman and Omozé Idehenre as Sawda.

Photos by Kevin Berne.