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Seattle Rep's My Name is Rachel Corrie proves free speech is not sleeping in Seattle

Seattle Rep's My Name is Rachel Corrie proves free speech is not sleeping in Seattle
by Miryam Gordon - SGN A&E Writer Political controversy aside, Rachel Corrie was apparently a heck of a writer. Thoughtful, idealistic, funny, altruistic. Somehow, news reports about her tragic and preventable death in the West Bank flattened her out and did not convey any personality, just as a Israeli bulldozer (mistakenly or deliberately) flattened her body. That was the main sentiment about seeing My Name is Rachel Corrie as presented by the Seattle Repertory Theatre. Marya Sea Kaminski takes stage and, using only Corrie's own words, from diary writings, letters and emails creates a whole and sympathetic person. Kaminski makes everyone like Corrie, just as Corrie wanted to like everyone. Kaminski is an experienced and talented solo performer, having created work at On The Boards, among numerous other national venues. She is a founding and active member of the Washington Ensemble Theatre. Her presence draws in the audience as her warm and inviting dialogue relaxes us into experiencing her version of Corrie. Braden Abraham, in his first production at the Rep as a director, steers Kaminski through a complex set of time-shifting monologues, traveling both forward and backward from childhood through harrowing descriptions of living with Palestinians whose homes, orchards and greenhouses are being destroyed around her. Lighting designer, L.B. Morse, supports the time-shifts with clear lighting changes that set tone and mood, throughout. Set designer, Jennifer Zeyl, creates a spare set that changes effortlessly from a Washington State bedroom to the stark surroundings of a simple, unadorned Palestinian home. The production itself is surprisingly much less political than one might expect, given the controversy it has stirred all over the country, including here in Seattle. Outside the opening night doors, flyers proliferated on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, declaring that many young adult women in Israel, also named Rachel, have been killed by suicide bombers, or decrying the "illegal" actions of the Israeli government and the use of Caterpillar brand bulldozers. With inclusion of actual video footage of a middle school speech, My Name is Rachel Corrie makes it plain that she was destined from childhood to involve herself in the bigger tragedies of the world and attempt to make them better. While at the age of 23, Corrie had not had time to fully understand all the nuances of the conflict she involved herself in, her concern for the Palestinian "civilians" and the children growing up in such violent surroundings was a palpable heartache. Whatever your political position, the play creates an opportunity for dialogue, allows us all to demonstrate to countries where free speech is difficult or non-existence how to disagree and live to tell about it. Seattle Repertory Theatre is the first regional theater company to produce this play and Seattle can be proud to stand tall and declare that free speech is not sleeping in Seattle. My Name is Rachel Corrie runs until April 22. For tickets, call 206-443-2222.