“Infidel,” written by Christopher Vened (known for his solo piece, “Human Identity”), is now in its run at the Whitefire Theatre, Sherman Oaks. It is truly one of the most forceful, provocative and politically relevant shows onstage in today’s theatre scene. Much along the lines of the controversial best seller of the same name, by Aayan Hirsi Ali, this story is a suspense thriller about John Norton (Ted Monte), a literature specialist who is captured by Islamic fundamentalists. This show is sure to keep the audience viewer on the ‘jagged
edge’ of one’s seat, no pun intended. It’s mysterious beyond words when art and culture parallel the horrific real life events of the world and our state of society, (i.e Daniel Pearl), yet even more compelling it is to see such art imitating life. Vened takes a most interesting angle, almost as devil’s advocate, stating, “I wanted to write a play that would humanize these radicals and find a way to liberate them from their fanaticism.” Yet again, the Whitefire keeps up to its stellar reputation of presenting the most cutting edge of theatre productions and timely, often taboo topics, what I fondly refer to as “the HBO of stage.” This playwright and his story is transparent about everything, from terrorists who kill in the name of God; to the notion that artifacts are blasphemous idols; to how hopeless and trapped Norton ultimately felt. One wonders if any hope or faith will prevail towards show’s end. The cohesive cast, including Bobak Cyrus Bakhtiari; Ronak Gandhi; Michel Wakim; Nima Jafari; Aneesha Madhok; Edwin Scheibner; and Moses Leon Norton is sure to inspire audiences, and have them thinking, “can culture and religion only divide and separate, or can it idealistically unite and humanize ?”
Through October 7
Saturdays 8pm ; Sundays 3pm
Whitefire Theatre
13500 Ventura Blvd
(323)960-7738
http://www.whitefiretheatre.com
Bonnie Priever Curtain Up 