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I’m not often at a loss for words when describing something, unless I’m truly impressed or therefore amazed. I didn’t expect to jump from my seat last Saturday evening upon arriving at the Wilma Theater on a very warm winter night here in Center City.

I was invited to review Wajdi Mouawad’s shocking theatrical production, Scorched “” playing in limited engagement through March 29 at the Wilma.

Mouawad’s journey of self discovery tells the story of two (twin) siblings who recently lost a mother they never truly knew. The brother and sister pair are instructed by the executor of their mother’s will to set forth on a journey to the turbulent Middle East to find their long lost brother and father. That is all I will disclose of the main plot for if I provide anymore information I will give away too much.

Beautifully well acted, touching and entertaining, Scorched touches you on so many levels “” shock, amazement, sadness and even comic relief. It’s amazing at how much you can walk away with from a production with few props, both stark and beautiful. We are too often concerned with special effects rather than plot.

The subtle use of the word “scorched” is used throughout the play, but as an audience member you become aware of not the word, but the scorched tempers amid family secrets, the scorched earth amid war, and scorched ideals that once held true, but no longer by the final act.

Kudos to Mouawad for a well written show and kudos to the Wilma Theater for a great production. Happy birthday Wilma, let’s hope for another 30!

Wilma Theatre
265 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 893-9456
www.wilmatheater.org