The Abyss

Synopsis

umana’s house in East Germany, at the end of Spring 2019.

Faris, alone on stage, reminisces about the alienation he feels in his new home. His journey from Syria to Germany is laden with struggles, reflecting the experiences of many refugees. As he climbs a towering chimney, the onlookers label him as the “foreigner” and “refugee,” highlighting the pervasive racism he faces. At the top, he looks into The Abyss, a metaphor for his uncertain future and the societal chasm he must navigate.

Ghiath al-Mhithawi‘s The Abyss delves into themes of displacement, identity, and the struggles of refugees. Through the interactions between Jumana, a Syrian doctor living in Germany, her friend Christina, and her brother Faris, the play explores the tension between assimilation and cultural heritage. The narrative is linear, with realistic dialogues that capture the emotional depth and complexity of the characters’ experiences. The play’s tone is somber and reflective, punctuated with moments of intense confrontation that underscore the characters’ internal and external conflicts.