Strength of the family and culture to survive explored

(Continued from Page 6) former translator for the Americans, he is a hunted man. His sister is Afiya, played by Atra Asdou. Asdou plays her part with familial dedication to her brother and husband. When there are little respites to her responsibilities, her portrayal of Afiya has flashes of youth and sweetness, enough to make one think of women, in other cultures and under other pressures, becoming old before their time. In fact, implication plays a strong hand in “Selling Kabul.”

There are four characters that appear on stage, but there are four others, all family members, who are discussed, and their impact is overreaching. The Taliban is beginning to insinuate itself throughout society and no one is safe. In this play, hearing is believing and audible gasps were heard from the audience when a senseless off-stage tragedy was related.

The tension of “Selling Kabul '' comes not only from Taroon’s presence in his sister's apartment, but also his need to see his wife, who has just given birth to their son.

Ovian’s portrayal of Taroon is wellcomposed from fits and starts from two sources: He is the younger sibling still requiring his sister’s care — their mother had told him that his sister, Afiya, had twice as much sense as he did because she has her sense plus his sense — while exhibiting the need to become an independent man and father.

He says he is willing to risk everything to visit his wife and son in a Kabul hospital. This makes his sister angry. She points out that he’s a threat to them and indi- cates maybe he should go, but Taroon retreats to his off-stage hiding place.

Infants have an important off-stage presence in “Selling Kabul.” The crying baby at the beginning we learn belongs to Leyla, played by Anat Cogan, a neighbor who lives down the hallway.

Cogan is a great addition to the play. She has real comedic talent, as the friend who means well, but is a little too nosey about it. But when the Taliban kidnaps her child to force Taroom’s whereabouts from her or her husband, she reacts with the play’s only on-stage act of violence.

Afiya’s husband, Jawid, is a clothing manufacturer played by Afseen Misaghi. He has thrown his lot in with the Taliban and makes military uniforms for them. Misaghi plays his part with a depth of unassuming masculinity. He feels great shame for himself, having allied with the Taliban.

“I have sold Kabul for a television set,” he tells Taroon when they are alone. “I hide behind my store. Greater men risk everything.”

Taroon replies that he is no pillar of strength. Whatever strength he possesses, it is because of his wife.

But it is Jawid, burdened by untold truths, who at the play's end presents Afiya with hope — a crib for Taroon’s infant child — as her brother flees into the night for refuge in another country.

Directed by Taylor Reynolds, “Selling Kabul” ran through Sunday, Sept. 24, at the Bauer Boucher Theatre, on the Kean University campus.

Kean assistant vice president selected for National Leadership Academy

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities has selected Kean University Assistant Vice President for Student Retention and Dean of Students Marvin Adames to its prestigious Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo.

The academy, a one-year program designed to increase diverse representation in executive and seniorlevel positions in higher education, named 50 fellows from colleges and universities to its cohort this year.

“Marvin Adames supports and develops programming that enriches the experience for our students, many of whom face unique challenges as they pursue their degrees,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repol- let. “I congratulate Marvin on his selection to the Leadership Academy and know that the insights he will gain from the experience will enhance his work at Kean.” Academy fellows participate in leadership development activities and mentorship with academy faculty members, who include current and former presidents, chancellors and senior administrators from institutions of higher education. An emphasis is placed on Hispanic-serving institutions, such as Kean University, and emerging HSIs.

Adames, an attorney who joined Kean in 2021, works with Kean’s first-generation students, student veterans, Equal Opportunity Fund students and others.

He said he is excited to attend the academy.

“Although I look forward to learning from national and international experts in the field, I am equally thrilled to learn from the other 49 fellows from around the country,” he said.

“This will truly be an education! Over the course of a year, there will be many opportunities to take in new perspectives, hear about cutting-edge initiatives and simply build an international network around higher ed. As dean of students, I will pay close attention to those practices that benefit the student experience, bring greater retention and graduate students at higher rates.”