"KANE AND HABIL AT THE PIZZA PARLOR"

WRITTEN and DIRECTED

by

SERGE ERNANDEZ

at

La MaMa E.T,C.

"KANE AND HABIL AT THE PIZZA PARLOR" Is based on the ancient story Kane and Abel from the Jewish Bible

but set in a Pizza Parlor of modern times.In 'KANE AND HABIL IN PIZZA PARLOR the first family, Adam,(Missing) in this play was supposed to be of African descent and Eve,(Sheila Dabney)

had a crush on the white fallen angel and had Kane from him and Habil by Adam.  They also had a sister named,Lebuda, (Emily Alpren) who becomes the objet of desire of both brothers but she

is only in love with Habil and wants a child from him thus evoking incredible envy, rage and jealousy in Kane  who ends up murdering Habil and I am not spoiling the plot or the ending in this case

because everyone knows the story of Kane and Abel and pretty much know the ending.

This ancient story of utmost importance because its with this story the first murder in the civilization takes place and the the sin of Incest which has continued through thousands of years and the murder of brother by a brother has become a sad common story.

In"KANE AND HABILIN PIZZA PARLOR" However the story takes a contemporary shape (A license taken by the artist, writer/director) and causes some confusion because if the play takes

place in a modern Pizza parlor(Pizza parlors) are supposed to be invention of contemporary society) and in the contemporary society murders have been happening for eternity, so when its

announced in the play that its the first murder, it rings hollow as well as when Lebuda asks in horror questions the red stuff coming out of Habil's body it sounds funny because so much red blood had been shed in modern times.

Maybe I am being too literal in my take of it but thats the measure of my interpretation.

Acting in the play is pretty good especially Eve, Sheila Dabney who is majestic, powerful in a funny halting manner turning it into brooding comedy which is the intention of the writer/director.

Kofi Boakye,(Habil) also is very effective.  Dough Chapman(Kane) is smooth but seem gymnastic in his sorrow and regret after the tragedy caused by him.

The chorus played by Kirk Brown and Yossera Bouchtia covered in black shrouds have the ability of provoking tragic lament.  I wish their part was larger though.

Emily Alpren (Lebuda) was most effective in her sorrow at Habil's death bed.

It was absolutely a delight to see Sheila Dabney on stage after such a long time.  Her voice and presence is meant for the stage and she must not deprive the stage of her presence.

HAPPY FACE

REVIEWED

BY

BINA SHARIF