Hayden Kharrazi and Suanne Spoke (Photo by Kayte Deimoa)
Reviewed by Julyza Commodore
International City Theatre
Thru September 10th
RECOMMENDED
What steps do you take in order to heal after someone that you love commits a horrific crime? How does the aftermath affect you? These are just some of the questions that playwright Wendy Graf poses and explores in Exit Wounds.
It is the year 2017 and Linda Sadowski (Suanne Spoke) is living in a home in which she has clearly hoarded so many items, there is no way that she is living comfortably. Unfortunately, her way of living has stemmed from a tragedy that was caused by a close loved one and years later, she is still dealing with the reality of it. After being visited by her son, Matt (Michael Polak) she is forced to face the truth of not only her current situation both inwardly and outwardly, but also with the information that he brings to her regarding her grandson Danny (Hayden Kharrazi). This all seems to come at an appropriate time, because healing is needed for this scarred family in more ways than one.
Director caryn desai does a wonderful job of putting on display and analyzing what it means to have a scarred family, how relatable it is to have one, and what healing may look like. The writing along with the performances are raw and truthful, resulting in a very emotional drama. It also serves as a way to begin important conversations that, as a country, we are in dire need of.
International City Theatre, 330. E Seaside Way, Long Beach, CA; Thurs-Sat, 8 pm; Sun., 2 pm; thru Sept. 10. https://ictlongbeach.org
