Through April 20, 2008
Reviewed by Chris Gibson
Little Bosnia, a specially commissioned work that's meant to reflect on the large Bosnian community that has immigrated to St. Louis, is a heart tugging and humorous piece concerning a young man's search for his cultural identity. The Avalon Theatre Company's premiere of Cristina Pippa's play is lovingly produced and performed.
Faris is a Bosnian immigrant living in St. Louis with his grandmother. He's about to graduate from community college and ready to embark on an internship in New York, but he's meeting resistance from those close to him. His grandmother wants him to visit his homeland first, but he's reluctant to do so, since he's basically in denial of his own culture. Her sudden passing makes Faris rethink his plans and take the trip to Sarajevo, changing his life and his outlook in the process.
Jason Contini does an excellent job portraying Faris as a young man uncomfortable with his Bosnian heritage. Contini is charming and compelling to watch as his character transforms over the course of the play. And he has an excellent chemistry working with Saso Cemerski who plays his childhood friend Admir. Cemerski ably conveys the bitterness he feels at being abandoned by Faris's decision to leave St. Louis.
Susie Wall is a marvel as Zlata and Azra, Faris's grandmother and her sister who's living in Sarajevo. She brings a warmth and welcome measure of humor to both roles. Pippa has the characters differentiated from one another in unexpected fashion, with Zlata living in America, but maintaining much of her cultural traditions, while Azra resides in Bosnia, wears more modern clothes and avidly watches Dr. Phil.
Theresa Hermann is lively as Admir's girlfriend Rose. Her hobby seems to be the assimilation of foreign cultures, and she dives headfirst into all things Bosnian. Anela Islamovic is terrific as Maja, a barmaid in Sarajevo who helps Faris find his Aunt, and get a new passport when his is stolen by gypsies. Elma Mujanovic is haunting as Andela, a lost soul and friend of Faris's late mother. It's a pivotal role, and though she speaks no English, the meaning of her words is made clear.
Larry Mabrey's direction is stellar and he has his talented ensemble focused. He does a fine job realizing his own dream of bringing these wonderful characters to life. Mabrey also provides a smartly designed set. The utilization of over-sized photos attached to reversible walls to set the locale is especially clever. Dan Rubright contributes the mood setting original score.
The only misstep I can find is in the use of pre-recorded voices for the running political commentary provided by the characters of puppeteer Mirza Halilovic. The puppets are an amusing and whimsical touch of Pippa's, but the timing of the jokes and the execution of their movements is often out of sync with one another, blunting their impact.
The Avalon Theatre Company's premiere of Cristina Pippa's outstanding new play, Little Bosnia, continues through April 20th (2008).
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