Afghanistan is not funny

@naylor.henry’s acclaimed "Afghanistan is Not Funny" is back at #edfringe 👀 A multimedia odyssey that critiques the Western Media's portrayal of the Afghan conflict, it also recounts Naylor’s own turbulent journey through Afghanistan in 2002…

The first section shines brightest: with Naylor showcasing genuine photographs from his Afghan trip, the audience is treated to a brilliant blend of humour, stark reality, and narrative finesse. 📷📷The imagery of children in refugee camps, women deprived of education, and the hauntingly unforgettable photograph that concludes this segment – all serve as a compelling testament to Naylor’s storytelling prowess…

However, transitioning from the profound pain and resilience of Afghanistan's people, the second act diverges into the #behindthescenes story of this play's inception🎭, akin to the self-reflective layers of Charlie Kaufman's #Adaptation but without the same sensitivity. This detour into Naylor's personal challenges post-Afghanistan, from the disagreements with his #photographer to the fickle world of radio and #film, feels jarringly discordant after the gravity of the preceding act😵‍💫…

The meta-theatrical critique towards the end, where Naylor confronts the ego-driven narrative he's constructed, offers a redemption arc, but its impact is diluted🥤 A more poignant narrative may have kept the focus on Afghanistan's people– not unlike Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner, where a personal tale illuminates a broader #tragedy...

It’s evident that Naylor, a comedic stalwart of the Fringe, has the magnetism to captivate an audience✨🧲 Yet, the narrative dichotomy in "Afghanistan is Not Funny" serves as both its strength and its Achilles' heel. The final act, while aiming to be a self-aware critique, feels more like a rear-view mirror reflection of missed potential…

In all, this is a play of paradoxes. At its peak, it’s a searing introspection into Western complicity and ignorance. At its nadir, it's an introspective monologue that overshadows the very subjects it aims to highlight. Still, it's a thought-provoking venture that'll spark discussions long after the curtain falls. 3/5🌟🌟🌟

#edfringe2023 #edinburgh