‘Hotter Than Egypt’ is a cross-cultural take on two marriages

Hotter Than Egypt was featured in a reading at the Denver Center’s 2020 Colorado New Play Summit, and Yussef El Guindi’s play returns this season in a full-blown production.

When you first enter the Denver Center’s Kilstrom Theatre (the old Space Theatre), even if the name of Egypt were not in the title, you would know exactly where this play is set. The colorful screens that adorn the walls all the way around the theatre, the exotic lamp hanging from the ceiling, the pattern on the floor — they all announce Cairo hotel room. It’s yet another beautiful set designed by Lisa M. Orzolek, resident to the Denver Center. Her set is enhanced by the brilliant lighting design of Robert J. Aguilar that changes the color of various rooms and reflects the beauty of a Nile sunset from a boat. There is a great deal of conversation in this script about the appropriateness of tourist clothing in this area, and costume designer Lex Liang gave this an authentic treatment.

American couple, Paul (local actor Gareth Saxe) and Jean (Kate McCluggage), have taken this Egyptian trip to reconnect and find the joy in their marriage that seems to have fallen into disarray. They have hired an engaged local couple, Maha (Ani Djirdjirian) and Seif (Wasim No’mani), as tour guides to show them the sights. We quickly get a behind-the-scenes look at how Egyptians feel about tourists as Maha “translates” Paul’s political comments to Seif and Seif’s replies – not at all what is being said. We learn that Maha and Seif are trying to raise money to get married and allow her to start her hoped-for career as a fashion designer. The mood is set as Jean returns to the room in a bathing suit wrapped in a stole and is embarrassed by Paul calling attention to her disregard for the customs of dress which calls for her to be more modest. His unapologetic tone reflects the quality of this relationship.

Ani Djirdjirian and Wasim Nomani play the Egyptian couple | Photo Jamie Kraus Photography

Through the next three scenes, arguments take place. While the actors all get equal exploration, ultimately the audience is rooting for Jean, for whom the greatest changes are happening. The first argument is between Paul and Jean and reveals the deep rifts in their marriage. Gareth’s stumbling admissions and Kate’s incredulous disbelief are heartbreakingly real.

The second scene takes place the next day when Jean is escorted by Seif to a museum. However, they end up in his small apartment which tests both of their resolve. Wasim’s struggle between fidelity and sympathy is beautiful to behold while the hurt pouring out of Kate is painful to watch. The third is between Seif and Maha when their plans for the future – both near and far – get changed. Wasim’s understanding of the whole situation provides a startling turn-around for both of them. There are surprises all along the way with this script, reflecting both the good and not-so-good in human nature. All four of the actors do an excellent job of telling the story and exploring the emotion written into the script by El Guindi.

It all adds up to an interesting and fun theatre evening.