Damage

Synopsis

A modest flat in Meknes, Morocco. The summer heat beats relentlessly against the windows as the scent of jasmine wafts through the air

Youssef, a young lieutenant in the Moroccan army, grapples with the decision to join a UN peacekeeping mission in the Congo. His new wife Sana’a struggles to come to terms with his impending departure, their fledgling marriage already tested by external pressures. As Youssef navigates the harsh realities of conflict in Africa, Sana’a faces her own battles at home, contending with societal expectations and her mother’s manipulations. When tragedy strikes, the couple must confront the true cost of their choices and the resilience of their bond.

Damage is a searing exploration of the impact of war and duty on personal relationships. Khalladi deftly weaves together themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the complexities of love in the face of adversity. The play shifts between the domestic sphere in Morocco and the volatile landscape of the Congo, highlighting the stark contrast between the two worlds. Through its unflinching portrayal of both physical and emotional trauma, Damage raises poignant questions about the nature of masculinity, the price of ambition, and the possibility of redemption in the aftermath of life-altering events.