By Amanda VanNostrand.
The question, “Who am I?” haunts all at one phase of life or another. Whether understanding our own gender, religion, sexuality, race, or our own beings in general, gaining an appreciation and consciousness of personal identity is a process for all. From considering what society says about our beings to considering what our friends and our families have to say, to forming our own conclusions, the process has potential to be messy. In Between is a one man show playing at Independence Studio on 3 until October 28th, and it examines one man’s journey to understand his Palestinian-Israeli identity. His stories present the ‘messiness’ of his experience while encouraging the audience to think on their own identities and experiences. Thought-provoking and entertaining, Ibrahim brings this gem to Philadelphia at a most welcoming time.
With a mother who is Jewish and a father who is Muslim, Ibrahim Miari (the writer and sole actor in this semi-autobiographical performance) finds much to think about while he and his fiancé Sarah, a Jewish woman, look for someone to officiate their wedding. From his experiences in the airport (you can imagine the welcome he receives there), his conflicting parents during his school-age years, and his mother-in-law and own parents’ expectations for his and his fiance’s futures, Miari takes us through his thoughts, emotions, and experiences during this difficult (sometimes comical) time.
Miari has performed In Between in the UK, Austria, Czech Republic, and most recently in Albania. It is no wonder that this show has been appreciated worldwide; although his particular story is about someone struggling with his Israeli-Palestinian identity, Miari makes this show relatable for all. It is informative for those of us whom are of different descent, bringing someone else’s experience alive in ways that create as much understanding as one can to those of us whom are ignorant of those particular prejudices, stereotypes, and expectations. Miari’s work is relatable to all and the way in which it is told is enjoyable for all as well.
The details of the set and props give this show its added promise. The three walls surrounding the stage (scenic design by Roman Tatarowicz) change colors as the scenes change, enhancing the mood and transition to each particular setting. There is a comical (giant!) puppet that Ibrahim Miari takes out to act as each member of the clergy. This puppet is reminiscent of a wooden Sesame Street character. Though some could argue that it does not exactly align with the tone of the show, it adds some laughs, and Miari uses this puppet well. Miari also adds dancing (he studied Sufi dance!) and plays the roles of the women and men in his life with precision and ease, doing what should be a difficult task, quite well.
In Between is thought provoking, and is a show that brings understanding at a time when understanding is incredibly important. Anyone interested in the experiences of others, and in lessening his or her own ignorance of other cultures would be glad to sit in on this performance. Ibrahim Miari is a talented actor and writer, and Philadelphia is privileged to host his performance.