Coup d'Etat

February 26 to March 6, 2004

By Justin Fleming

  Khaira Ledeyo, Parnelli Parnes, Johnna Wright.  Photo by Allan Fedorak. 

Set in 1980s Malaysia, this lush and important work presents a clash of doctrines and religions, and an inpiring debate about human rights. What do you do when the line between powers blurs, when a dictator's influence overshadows a nation's constitutional rights? How do you fight back against a ruler who is called the "Killer King"? Part thriller, part courtroom drama, Fleming paints a vivid and wonderful picture of Malaysia while at the same time planting questions that will reverberate long after the play is over.

It makes us angry that whenever a Christian or a Jew suffers, the world weeps. But will they weep when it is the Muslims who look out at the world through barbed wire?

Terry Shupe & Grant Thurgood