by Sylvia Khoury, directed by William Carden*
featuring Rajesh Bose, Mohit Gautam, Caroline Hewitt, Mahira Kakkar*, Jack Mikesell, Sammy Pignalosa, Babak Tafti, John Wernke, & Avery Whitted

With the constant buzz of American drones above the Pakistani countryside, a young woman fears for the safety and sanity of her family. Thousands of miles away, the drone pilot in Nevada tasked with watching her family becomes increasingly removed from his own life. Playwright Sylvia Khoury examines the cost of wars fought at distance on both the observer and the observed.

Against the Hillside runs 90 minutes with no intermission.

What it’s about: In a tribal village in Pakistan, drones watch a couple that struggles with air strikes as well as internal pressures. The soldier watching the family in the USA starts to become obsessed with those he is tasked with observing, while dealing with the impending birth of his child. The play explores the politics of war and surveillance but also asks important questions about the individual versus society. Why you should see it: The play, presented by Ensemble Studio Theatre and the Radio Drama Network, is delicately crafted by unendingly talented playwright Sylvia Khoury and directed with precision by William Carden. The performances of the cast are measured, given the stakes of the play, and it’ll be hard for you to find a wrong note. Babak Tafti gives a compelling performance as Sayid, the man being watched, and Mahira Kakkar is convincing as his pragmatic other half Reem. A standout is Avery Whitted who plays Anthony, a young soldier, and provides some of the play’s more explosive moments. The production design is cohesive and efficient. Jason Simms’ minimalist set comprising of chairs, tables and benches serves the many locations demanded by the story. The lightin …Read more