**** Recommended **** A big thank you to Writers Theatre for graciously allowing me to attend a performance of A Distinct Society near the end of the run. It would have been a tragedy to miss this gripping human drama. Based on a true story, this one-act play packs an emotional wallop! I have to admit I had a tear or two in my eye at the end. 4 Spotlights
A Distinct Society was written and directed by Kareem Fahmy, a Canadian-born playwright who grew up in Quebec. It was a finalist for the National New Play Network’s 2020 National Showcase for New Plays.
A Distinct Society is set in the Haskell Free Library and Opera House, which was deliberately built straddling the border between Quebec and Vermont. According to Manon (Kate Fry), the librarian (and local tradition), it is "the only library in the United States with no books" and "the only opera house in the United States with no stage”. Kudos to Scenic Designer Paige Hathaway for the beautiful library setting.
As the lights come up, Manon, the French-Canadian librarian, is shelving books while quietly singing an aria when she’s interrupted. She’s delighted to see Declan (Cole Keriazakos), hurrying to get the latest graphic novel off the shelf for him.
Peyman (Rom Barkhorder) comes in the door carrying a small grocery bag, and quickly takes a sea. He hunches down in his seat, checking his watch, waiting for someone. When Manon warns him that food is not permitted in the library, he explains that the food is for his daughter who’s in medical school. He thinks she’s too thin so he’s made her favorite foods from home.
When Bruce (Amir Abdullah), who looks like a policeman but says he’s with Homeland Security, Peyman panics. Bruce notices the package and warns Peyman that gifts are not allowed. Peyman tries to explain, there’s a confrontation and the food ends up on the library floor.
Every time Bruce comes to the library, he announces a new rule – no gifts, five-minute time limits, new passport checks and detentions, no visits at all. Bruce befriends Declan while also putting moves on Manon.
A few days later, Shirin (Aila Ayilam Peck) comes into the library to meet her father. In the meantime, the rules have changed and she watches out the window as her father is detained by Homeland Security.
All of these people are damaged – wounded souls looking for connections. Declan’s parents, scientists of some kind, moved to Quebec, got a divorce and pretty much ignore him. He hates everything – Quebec, school, his parents. Manon tells Bruce that the Quebec separation vote divided and devastated her family. After saying horrible things to her father, she never spoke to him again and he died before she could apologize.
Peyman and Shirin are from Iran. He went to medical school in the U.S., then returned home to practice. Now his daughter is in med school in Boston while he’s stuck in Canada due to the "Muslim ban." She’s afraid to tell her father she might lose her student visa because she quit med school.
Ultimately, Manon sets up an after-hours meeting between father and daughter, but Declan spies on them, leading to a dramatic confrontation with Bruce.
A Distinct Society runs through July 23rd in the Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre at Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe. Free parking is available in the Metra lot across Green Bay Road. Running time is 95 minutes, no intermission. Performances are Wednesdays at 3:00 & 7:30 pm; Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 3:00 & 7:30 pm; Sundays at 2:00 & 6:00 pm. Tickets range from $35-$90. FYI (847) 242-6000 or www.writerstheatre.org.