By Laura Barfield

For the Mirror

“Ten Acrobats in an Amazing Leap of Faith” by Yussef El Guindi offers a glimpse into one immigrant, Muslim, Egyptian family, as each character explores their own cultural, religious, and generational ideologies. This philosophical, whimsical, and sometimes raw story is not to be missed.

Kamal and Mona emigrated to America for a richer life — but at what cost? One son, Tawfiq, questions his faith. Their daughter, Huwaida, questions expectations placed on her as a Muslim woman. And their other son, Hamza, questions his identity. When friends from Egypt come for a visit, we see their reactions to how life in America has impacted this family. Packed with humor, elements of this story will resonate with immigrants from all over the globe. As a third generation American myself, of mixed nationalities and religions, it made me ponder what life must have been like for my immigrant ancestors, and how their experiences have influenced my own identity and beliefs.

An impressive cast of strong performers, I must mention just a few individually. Abhijeet Rane as the distraught father, Kamal. Alpa Dave as Mona, the family glue. Esha More as the insightful daughter, Huwaida. Rohish Deshmukh as the independent thinking older son, Tawfiq. Ejay Amor as the sensitive younger brother, Hamza. And Varun Kainth as Murad, the bewildered fiancée.

Seeing a show at Centerstage is a unique experience. Sip inventive cocktails, inspired individually by each show, crafted with spirits from locally owned Blackfish Distillery. The welcoming staff makes you feel like family. And in this intimate theatre, there isn’t a bad seat in the house.

Centerstage Theatre is located in Federal Way just minutes off Interstate 5 at 3200 SW Dash Point Road. “Ten Acrobats in an Amazing Leap of Faith” runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, May 24 through June 16. Due to some content, this show is recommended for ages 16 and up. Tickets can be purchased at centerstagetheatre.com.

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Laura Barfield has worked in early childhood education and has been published in multiple issues of Kids Imagination Train. She also has a theater background in both acting and directing. She lives in the Seattle area with her husband, two sons, and one labradoodle.