Chicago Tribune
- Somewhat Recommended
"...But the structure of the piece needs a whole lot more work. Act 1 unspools quite successfully as we see the young generation (played by Waseem Alzer, Ali Louis Bourzgui and Khalil) head into danger even as their elders (Atra Asdou and David) worry about getting out of the country."
Chicago Sun Times
- Somewhat Recommended
"...There’s so much to like about “Layalina,” in both the writing and the production, directed by Sivan Battat with a particular attention to the small moments of joy. The performances are all exceedingly strong, particularly for a play where the actors portray different generations within the same family. The set designs, by the team known as casaboyce, communicate location with the same structure but smart and sharp differences in color and cultural specificity. The use of accents in the second act, for the characters who came into adulthood before they immigrated, works to perfection, making tangible the generational divide."
Daily Herald
- Somewhat Recommended
"...The first act, which unfolds swiftly and assuredly under director Sivan Battat and concludes with a tantalizing scene, is a taut depiction of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary events. But problems arise after intermission in the meandering, overlong second act, which lacks the tension and focus Zebari initially established."
Chicago Reader
- Recommended
"...Zebari's play can perhaps feel like two different stories woven together, but I'd argue that's the point: seemingly mundane family disagreements exist amid the turmoil of war and occupation, while the legacy of that history lingers in the background for families who have endured it, even as they're just making dinner or smoking pot. Moreover, as Marwa's increasing activism with Black Lives Matter protests shows, there are communities in the U.S. who face their own form of occupation and oppression."
Around The Town Chicago
- Recommended
"...Over my years of reviewing theater in Chicago, I have learned a great deal about the cultures of others. For many years, I was associated with the Hispanic community thru their newspapers that translated my words into Spanish. On many occasions, I would see a play that was done entirely in Spanish with subtitles. I have also seen Russian works done in this way and was hoping that “Layalina” would be a work that would allow me to learn more about the Iraquis. Yes, I think I would have enjoyed the play more if they spoke their language with English subtitles."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Recommended
"...Sivan Battat has directed this production with flair and great sensitivity. Martin Yousif Zebari’s play had its start in a staged reading with Goodman Theatre’s Future Labs, as well as at their New Stages Festival. There’s no doubt that we’ll be hearing of further productions of “Layalina” in other locations. With lovely costuming designed and built by Dina El-Aziz, a great sound track by Eric Backus and Ronnie Malley, and fine lighting created by Jason Lynch, this is an exceptionally intoxicating story."
Picture This Post
- Highly Recommended
"...The dynamics of a loving family coming to terms with each others’ truths is the heart of the story. As the characters share heartbreaking moments of honesty, you can hear a pin drop. We take it in just as members of the family do. In this reviewer’s opinion, the skillful navigation of these scenes by the cast is outstanding."
BroadwayWorld
- Highly Recommended
"...Martin Yousif Zebari's LAYALINA is a heartwarming multigenerational family play that spans from Baghdad to Skokie. While Zebari doesn't shy away from portraying the family's trauma and the challenges of their immigrant experiences, LAYALINA is the opposite of many other family plays. It's about how the central family tries to reconnect and find commonalities, despite their generational and cultural differences. I first saw LAYALINA at Goodman Theatre's New Stages Festival in 2021, and I thought it was beautifully structured and touching at that time. The structure remains the same, but now it's even more hopefully optimistic."
