Theatre Review - Haroun & The Sea of Stories

by Marilyn Taylor

Coastal Journal contributor

BRUNSWICK - This show was a total surprise---and a good one.  I did not know what to expect from this latest production by the Theater Project’s Young Company since all I knew was the title.

The script was adapted by Al Miller from the novel by Salman Rushdie. What a fascinating and intriguing work it is.  And the fact that this complex and meandering play is presented by high school students is further testimony to the treasure that the Theater Project is in our community.

The plot is complicated, but I’m not sure it is essential to follow every twist and turn with total comprehension. What is important is that we experience a story and a culture that might be slightly out of our comfort zone.

"Haroun & the Sea of Stories" was written 20 years ago for Rushdie’s 10 year old son. It’s a brave tale considering at the time, Iran’s Ayatollah Khomani had issued a fatwa against Rushdie because of his novel The Satanic Verses.

As it says in the play notes, “this is a classic adventure tale. It’s a hero’s journey during which he must prove himself.” In this instance, Haroun and his story-telling father go on a quest when the father loses his verbal skills. The father is recruited to perform in a neighboring area for a shady politician and the son must help his disillusioned father regain his ability to tell stories.

Early on, a key question is raised “what is the use of stories that aren’t true?”. The rest of the play strives to answer that question.

The themes of the importance of creative thought and open expression are awe inspiring.  I thank the Theater Project for bringing this show to the Mid Coast area. As never before, it is essential for all of us to assess the value of ideas and the freedom to express them.  This perspective from Rushdie, a person who had been so stifled,  is motivating for all of us.

Some of the lines are still ringing in my head:

--The people in the dark world have fallen under a cult of mediocrity.

--For every story there is an anti-story.

--The antagonist says the world is to be ruled so the Story World must be controlled.

--The antagonist’s strategy is to plug the wellspring---the source of stories--and turn the land into a Sad Factory.

--The hero is presented with the highest honor---the Order of the Open Mouth. When he is granted a reward, he asks only for a happy ending.

 The Middle Eastern overtones are engrossing. This look at the world from an unfamiliar perspective is greatly enhanced by the imaginative sets by Patty Olds and the costumes created by Wendy Poole. Together, they present the plentimaw fish, the Eggheads the Walrus and many more as arrays of color and movement.

I extend kudos to the entire cast that brings these characters to life. Among the standouts are Dante Maderal, sublime as Haroun, the “happy young chap”. He has a gently inquisitive demeanor perfect for our guide to the Sea of Stories. Joe Faustine inhabits the role of Haroun’s father with charm and believability. And Trevor Bostic is hilariously engaging as a bus driver and a unique bird who leads Haroun on his exotic journey.

This is a story about the importance of creative ideas. I applaud Al Miller and the Theater Project for having the good idea of presenting this play. Don’t miss it. One of the additional pluses is that the show is appropriate for all ages. Young children can enjoy the vivid costumes and the young at heart can enjoy the captivating ideas.

Review on Coastal Journal Site