In the Heart of America presented by Theatre Seven of Chicago at The Greenhouse Theater Center

Chicago Tribune - Not Recommended

"...There are some trenchant points being made about the ways fear can scar. But this a play lacking any kind of dramatic device that might transform all its outrage into something resembling a story."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Interspersed with that narrative are gut-wrenching dream sequences featuring a My Lai massacre victim (played with chilling sarcasm by Kaori Aoshima) and a Vietnam vet. "There are three kinds of people," Fairouz tells Remzi in a flashback. "Those who kill. Those who die. And those who watch." This raw and relevant production from Theatre Seven of Chicago focuses on the complicity of those who watch."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"...In Wallace’s biting 1994 drama, the MacArthur genius grantee unabashedly demands apologies for American wrongs ranging from the My Lai Massacre in Vietnam to racial tension to discrimination against gays in the military to the torture and rape—excuse me, “interrogations”—of U.S. detainees (palatable euphemisms for moral atrocities seem to rank particularly high on her list of grievances)."

Chicago Theatre Addict - Recommended

"...Want to see some kick ass acting? Catch this play. Vidal was a standout in Red Twist’s That Face, and after seeing his work here, it’s clear he’s one of those actors who *lives* the role. Thrilling stuff. As his war buddy, DiNicola brings a sense of hopefulness and sensitivity, which magnifies the play’s darker inner workings. Mirza, whose character spends most of the play in search mode, does a great job breathing life into this underwritten role."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...I wish I had more theater going experiences like this, when as an audience member I can relax knowing that every cue, every detail, every word of the text has been examined and given the respect it deserves. "In The Heart of America" packs a dusty wallop. I suspect playwright Naomi Wallace would be proud of the pulsing life Theatre Seven has brought to this contemporary classic."

Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Somewhat Recommended

"...Playwright Naomi Wallace penned a political dream play. Wallace has a lot to say about civilian killings, mutation souvenirs, and hate crimes. Her characters travel back and forth in time and in life. Individually, the pieces are intriguing. Collectively, the puzzle doesn’t quite fit together. Some of the plot points fascinate but confuse. Under the direction of Brian Golden, the characters come to life in authentic personas. I’m very intrigued but a little baffled. Kaori Aoshima (Lue Ming) is visiting from the past. I get the tragedy of her personal story. I’m just unable to decipher the timing of her haunting."