Modern Terrorism
Engaging us from the start, Modern Terrorism brings us inside a New York apartment in which
Qala (William Jackson Harper) is planning an attack on the city, to be carried
out by the youthful Rahim (Utkarsh Ambudkar). Yalda (Nitya Vidyasagar) is on
hand for logistical help and stoner neighbor Jerome (Steven Boyer), or 3A, as
Qala and Yalda call him, finds himself becoming a willing participant in Qala’s
plot.
With the full title Modern
Terrorism, or They Who Want to Kill Us and How We Learn to Love Them,
Kern’s play turns the typical depiction of terrorists on its head (the
terrorists are really quite charming) and begs the question, can we sympathize
with someone whose methods of effecting change are abhorrent?
For example, one night Rahim and Yalda are discussing how
they got into the business, as it were, and their reasons are not entirely
without merit. They see injustice in the world; they feel their people have
been wrongfully maligned; they see America and Americans have lost sight of the
human cost of war and try to brush all Muslims with one broad stroke. Rahim and
Yalda have legitimate gripes and we therefore find ourselves sympathizing with
them – seeing the terrorists as human beings.
But, they are terrorists, and each time they discuss details
of the plot we are unsettled and have to square the cognitive dissidence
brought on by the dichotomy.
Kern’s writing is sharp, seemingly well-researched and full
of pop culture references, some of which simply add color while others, like
the recurring talk of Star Wars: A New
Hope, add deep thematic layers. Kern, I learned in the post-show
discussion, is a born and bred New Yorker (and a Mets fan) and was deeply
affected by the September 11, 2001, attacks. Around the ten-year commemoration
of the attacks, Kern was still wrestling with America’s reaction, wondering if
we hadn’t become the evil empire that rebels (like Luke Skywalker) fight against.
Considering these ideas, Kern crafted Modern Terrorism. By the way, the “modern” part is not just part of
the title. The word resonated with me during a moment in the second act which
sees Jerome railing against greedy and corruptive forces – typified by Goldman,
Sachs and their ilk – that were just as if not more destructive than the bombs
that raze buildings and claim lives. Indeed, as seen through this lens, America
might be the evil empire.
Whatever your feelings about empires, hegemony or charming
terrorists, Kern presents a fascinating portrait, a different angle of a
faction we think we know. Such thoughtful and insightful voices are becoming
increasingly rare on stage so set aside your concerns and learn to love the
terrorists.
Modern Terrorism is
currently playing at Second Stage Theatre. Visit the off-Broadway theatre’s website to learn more and to purchase tickets.
Check out this video of the cast and director talking about Modern Terrorism:
Check out this video of the cast and director talking about Modern Terrorism:
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