The Pulitzer Prize-winning 'Disgraced' set in New York will make its Queensland Theatre debut this month, thanks to the Melbourne Theatre Company.
The show, penned in 2012 by novelist and screenwriter Ayad Akhtar, deals with Islamophobia and the perception of religion as tensions mount around the dinner table and ideals are challenged.
'Disgraced' is a modern drama that strips away the niceties of society to reveal a group of people who might not have quite escaped from their roots, like once thought.
Matilda Award-winning actress Libby Munro answered some questions about her role in the show.
You play Amir's wife Emily in the show. Tell us a bit about the relationship she has with him.There are so many facets to their marriage which make it unique and interesting – One: They come from completely different backgrounds. Amir was raised a Muslim in America, which comes with entirely different cultural rituals and beliefs, while Emily is a white New Yorker (her religion isn't specified but I assume Episcopalian/Christian). Emily seeks to understand her husband and his family's religion while Amir has discarded his faith. Two: Emily is an artist, while Amir is a high-flying lawyer working in Mergers and Acquisitions. There are some undertones of Emily's disgust with the money focus of his career while she seeks truth, beauty and wisdom in her art. They absolutely are in love with each other at the beginning of the show, and they both want to please each other and help one another in their lives and big dreams. I think anyone who marries outside of their own culture has interesting layers and challenges to face together.
What appealed to you about 'Disgraced'?
The writing – always the writing! I really enjoy new plays that are culturally relevant and that get you thinking and talking afterwards. This story has its finger dangerously on the button of inherent racism, fear of the unknown, rising anti-Islamic tensions and historical complexity that runs through every single culture on earth. Plus it won the Pulitzer... It was a no-brainer.
Are there any points in the show that you felt related to how you felt personally about certain issues brought up in the script?
Initially I enjoyed the way the writer toys with political correctness and white entitlement. He has the whitest character defending Islam while the Islamic character tears it apart. This is a fascinating flip in character norms. I also felt like the dinner table conversation is something that I hear amongst my friends. After studying it further I relate to the personal issues of being an artist trying to understand the world, particularly from a left-leaning point of view. I'm just a country girl from outback Queensland trying to comprehend religion, foreign policy, war, terrorism, the Patriot Act, humanity, racism, sexuality and art. I could find all of this in the role of Emily so this hit home for me.
Image © Jeff BusbyWhy do you think a performance like this is important?
We need to discuss and explore the world around us. This conversation, although happening in this particular play in New York, is happening around Australia as well. We need to understand racism, fear, and the consequences of our actions. By making it personal and giving these characters a voice, we can begin to see all sides of the argument and make some informed opinions. Given the bias of mainstream media I think it is crucial to discuss what is happening in the world through different art forms to try to begin to understand what is unraveling in our society.
Are you hoping audiences leave the show thinking or feeling a certain way? If so, what?
This show will knock the wind out of you, that's for sure. I would like audiences to walk away asking questions about our western culture, about the true nature of Islam (if there is such a thing), about the oppressed, about the fear that pervades our society in the current era of terrorism.
This isn't your first time at the rodeo. You've been doing theatre for about 16 years (which is great, by the way!). Are there any shows you've done in the past that have felt similar to this in terms of structure and theme?
Actually yes! In an incredibly ironic twist of fate, my last show 'Grounded' I played a fighter pilot dropping bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan in the 'War on Terror'... Now I am playing a woman married to a Muslim? Incredible! My character Emily in 'Disgraced' defends Islam for it's wisdom and beauty while in my last role I was in the U.S. Air Force. What a brilliant thing for an actor to experience!
Image © Jeff BusbyWhat's the hardest part about being in 'Disgraced'?
Honestly...Delving in the Quran and trying to find what Emily sees in it. Trying to reconcile with a character who is perhaps leaning towards a conversion to Islam. I am open to finding her view of the world but it is a struggle against my own views on religion so it takes some deep soul searching and complete submission to the process.
What's the easiest?
The research into being an artist! Although I cannot paint or draw to save myself I have absolutely loved going to galleries, trying my hand at sketching, looking at the artwork that she references. It is a whole other world out there with so much context, history, analytics, passion, skill, and inspiration!
Image © Jeff BusbyHave you learnt anything new from being a part of this production?
I have learned that I am in love with Frida Kahlo. I have also begun to understand my own sense of “white entitlement” and ease in the world that I live in, which helps me to see the struggle of others a little more clearly.
In 25 words or less, why should people go and see 'Disgraced'?
Come to be challenged, to learn something new, to experience the world through another set of eyes. Be fascinated and alive for an evening.
