THE PRODUCTION

In 2005, Bond Street Theatre of New York and Exile Theatre of Kabul brought a ground-breaking, first ever US-Afghan theatre collaboration to the USA, created and written by the Bond Street Theatre and Exile Theatre ensembles, and directed by Mahmoud Shah Salimi and Joanna Sherman.

Beyond the Mirror returns to the US in Fall 2008!

Woven through myths and memories, family histories and first-hand accounts, traditional dances and live music, story-telling and filmed montages, Beyond the Mirror weaves an intricate tapestry of events, both desperate and hopeful.

Directed by Joanna Sherman & Mahmood Shah Salimi
Devised and Written by the Exile Theatre and Bond Street ensembles
Music composed and performed by Quraishi, with additional music by Andy Teirstein
Lighting Design by Jeanne Koenig and Jesse Belsky

THE STORY

Beyond the Mirror emanates from the personal stories and first-hand accounts of ordinary Afghans striving to survive during the last three decades of constant warfare. Each story depicts the outside structures that were imposed on the people of Afghanistan and their attempts to adapt, survive, and maintain their cultural identity. The play demonstrates the incredible strength of human persistence during times of adversity.

Our challenge was to present these horrific tales in ways that would be watchable, yet not lose their profundity or power. To give a sense of place, the play is interwoven with filmed images of the sights and sounds of life in Afghanistan. The play employs a variety of physical and visual techniques – traditional dance, shadow puppetry, photo projections – and lighting effects to tell these stories, invigorated by the exquisite live music of the Afghan rebob.

THE COLLABORATION

Beyond the Mirror began to take root in the refugee areas of northern Pakistan in March 2002, shortly after the events of Sept. 11th. Members of Bond Street Theatre, performing for Afghan children in refugee schools in Pakistan, met up with a dauntless group of Afghan actors who dared to present live theatre despite the restrictions and repressions of the times. This group was Exile Theatre.

The two companies were immediately drawn to each other’s theatrical views and techniques, and planned to create a new work together. This plan came to fruition the following year in Kabul and, since that time, has grown into a full length theatre work which received its world premiere at the 2nd International Theatre Festival in Kabul in August of 2005.

The two companies have been collaborating on projects for adults and children in Afghanistan ever since, and now have traveled together to Japan, the US and India. Through the theatre, the two ensembles hope to bridge the chasm of misinformation that separates countries and cultures.

The groups offer post-performance talk backs and video-lectures on their work in international conflict zones, including the perspectives of Afghan artists who survived over 20 years of war and exile.

HISTORY

2003 First Prize at the 1st Kabul International Theatre Festival
2005 2nd International Theatre Festival of Kabul
2005 (October) Japan Tour
2005 (November-December) US Premiere at Theatre Project, Baltimore, and Theatre for the New City, New York
2008 (Fall) Proposed tour in California

FROM THE PRESS

“The performance has a quiet authority, even delicacy that is truly powerful.” – Margo Jefferson, The New York Times

“The most stirring, affecting and significant event of the theatre season.” – Martin Denton, nytheatre.com

“A sharply observed and heart-wrenching portrayal of Afghanistan’s recent history.” – Josselyn Simpson, Time Out New York

“The collaboration has yielded lyrical imagery of almost aching beauty.” – Jorge Morales, Village Voice

“An inventive piece based on the true stories of Afghans who survived three decades of cruelty and hardship.” – Vibhuti Patel, Newsweek

“The Best Performance at the Festival, ‘Beyond the Mirror’ utilized a unique, creative and stylistic method.” – ISAF News – Afghanistan

“That this piece exists at all is a form of triumph and its own best example of international cooperation.” – J.Wynn Rousuck, Baltimore Sun

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