Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your accountsSaved for Latersection.
The smaller of the two theaters at Playwrights Horizons has always reminded me of a screening room.
Light streams in between slatted blinds, slicing the room intofilm noirstripes.
Why cant he take the antennae to the window if hes having trouble getting a signal?
He crawls around out of sight, keeping low.
At first, Sanchez and Neshat seem artificial together.
But director Tyne Rafaeli has choreographed her actors precisely.
And Rafaeliwantsus to get annoyed at Taroon every time he slams a door or wanders unthinkingly past a window.
Small things loom large.
Neighbor Leyla (Francis Benhamou) comes by for an unending, unwelcome chat.
Khourys ear is particularly attuned to the stifling conversations of the truly close.
In her hands, even familiarity and kindness become dangerous.
It isnt a question of whether blood will stain her, but whose.
Rafaeli does an excellent job of making the world beyond the apartment seem a real threat.
When light moves against the kitchen window, we all cringe.
Any noise, even the hum of the air conditioning, seems menacing.
(Jen Schriever and Alex Fetchko designed the lights; Lee Kinney designed the subtle sound.)
Its this outside world, after all, thats exerting its terrible pressure on the familys quiet little room.
Selling Kabulis at Playwrights Horizons through December 23.
