Iraq, But Funny at Lookingglass Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...Asdou wants her family to triumph and, for the most part, and with this capable director's help, she manages to skillfully navigate her twin impulses of moralistic political activism and sharp-elbowed satirical destruction, even though they are actually contradictory when it comes to their artistic obligations. But the core of this piece is political, not "thanks Mom and Dad, for all you did," and that is something Asdou has to face if she wants a show that's viable as well as heartfelt."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Asdou's world premiere at Lookingglass Theatre, directed by Dalia Ashurina, draws loosely on her own family's history as well as the larger history of Iraq and what we Westerners call the Middle East, emphasizing the matrilineal as one woman after another finds herself caught in war, displacement, and yes, genocide. Each tries to protect her daughter, often through arranging marriages to seemingly safe men and reminding them, "Your life isn't for you. It's for the next generation.""

Talkin Broadway - Recommended

"...In its second production since the company's re-emergence, Lookingglass Theatre Company is presenting the world premiere of Atra Asdou's semi-autobiographical Iraq, but Funny. Directed by Dalia Ashurina, a cast of five undertakes an entertaining (if somewhat imbalanced) whirlwind tour through one hundred years (give or take) of colonial/postcolonial interference in both the region in general and the lives of five generations of an Assyrian family specifically."

Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended

"...We sometimes forget how much the theatrical stage can be a place of true discovery-until we stumble upon islands of magic like Iraq, But Funny, a marvel now running through July 20. Written by the immensely talented Lookingglass Theatre ensemble member Atra Asdou, this is a mashup of revisionist history and cultural excavation, slathered with heaping doses of irresistible comedy. Asdou doesn't just write the piece-she also delivers a bravura performance that anchors the show."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...This new show is truly amazing in that it self consciously calls out colonization, the devastation of racist policies over the last century, the deep lies of politicians, and connects all the dots on the middle eastern chess board including a lot of why we are currently seeing what we are seeing in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict—-- all done while we are sipping delicious themed specialty cocktails that reference the show and we are laughing heartily as if at a comedy club."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...I wasn’t sure what I might find tonight as I entered Lookingglass Theatre for the World Premiere of “Iraq, But Funny” written by ensemble member Atra Asdou. How can a history of five generations of Assyrian women, reclaiming their stories be a theatrical experience? Well, I am here to tell you that Asdou ( Actor Number 5 who plays the British Guy) does one heck of a job. This is satire that is true and pure and she has a beautiful way of holding the audience in her hands from the start to the finish."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...This highly entertaining dark comic drama is quirky, rapidly-paced and continually offers up unexpected characters and events. The entire production, under the astute Direction of Dalia Ashurina, will amaze and amuse theatergoers from beginning to end. Playwright and leading player, Atra Asdou is the star of this show. She has beautifully written a captivating comedy of errors that both details the history of Iraq, while also showcasing her family tree in a perfectly madcap historical comedy."

Buzz Center Stage - Highly Recommended

"...If laughter is said to be the best medicine, then it's surely a good thing for casual educational experiences too. In under three hours, Asdou (in character as a Bugs Bunny-ish British colonizer) provides the entire history of European imperialism in the Middle East-from the perspective of the victor, as most histories are told. The colonizer, or "Actor 5", condenses decades of complex conflict into a darkly humorous sketch comedy. The play is balanced with vignettes from a multi-generational family riding the wave of current events that ultimately lead them to 1990s Chicago."

The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended

"...I'm struggling to even inadequately describe this innovative, interactive and immersive history lesson. Playwright and performer Atra Asdou tells the history of the Assyrian* people from the perspective of five generations of mother/daughter relationships. This semi-autobiographical tale is narrated by Asdou as an English gentleman. Asdou, hysterical AF, recollects the cringeworthy colonization of the Assyrians from the Ottoman Empire to Modern-Day U.S.A. Their displacement, genocide, betrayal and oppression is illustrated through multi-faceted storytelling techniques produced from the wacky genius of Asdou."

Chicago Theater and Arts - Highly Recommended

"...Utilizing a dizzying array of theatrical techniques, this fast-paced production is a three-ring circus of costume changes, scenic projections, and lighting and sound, aided by a small army of six or seven crew members who stealthily set props in a seamless stream of visual surprises."

BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended

"...IRAQ, BUT FUNNY makes for a delightfully raucous evening’s entertainment that will keep audiences laughing long after the show has ended while reminding them of the deeply human stories that have come out of a region that has seen far too much tragedy and injustice over the decades. Given our current political climate, I can’t imagine an original piece with a timelier message."

NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended

"..."Iraq, But Funny," a new play at Lookingglass Theatre, is a marvel. This semi-autobiographical satire by ensemble member Atra Asdou is hilarious-audience members on opening night were doubled over with laughter. It's also intensely moving, infuriating, powerful and profound. "Iraq, But Funny" will join "The Arabian Nights" and "Metamorphoses" at the top of the Lookingglass canon. It is not to be missed."