Incendies is a play written by Wajdi Mouawad, a Canadian playwright of Lebanese origin. The play was first performed in 2003 and has since been adapted into a critically acclaimed film by Denis Villeneuve. The play is a family saga that explores themes of identity, memory, and the legacy of war. In this article, we will provide a chapter-by-chapter summary of the play.
Chapter 1: Nawal’s Will
The play opens with the reading of Nawal’s will. Nawal is a recently deceased Middle Eastern woman who has left behind a will that instructs her twin children, Jeanne and Simon, to find their father and brother and deliver letters to them. The letters are addressed to a father they thought was dead and a brother they didn’t know existed.
Chapter 2: Jeanne’s Journey
Jeanne embarks on a journey to the Middle East to find her father and brother. She meets a man named Abou Tarek, who agrees to help her find them. Along the way, Jeanne learns about her mother’s past and the events that led to her family’s separation.
Chapter 3: Simon’s Journey
Simon, who is skeptical about their mother’s past, decides to stay behind and try to uncover the truth about his mother’s history. He discovers that his mother was a political prisoner who was raped in prison and gave birth to a son. Simon also learns that his mother sought revenge by killing her captor.
Chapter 4: The Prisoner
The play takes a flashback to Nawal’s time in prison. She meets a fellow prisoner named Sawda and befriends her. Sawda is pregnant and fears for her unborn child’s safety. Nawal promises to take care of the child if anything happens to Sawda.
Chapter 5: The Son
Simon eventually finds his brother, who is a child soldier in the Middle East. The brother is traumatized by the violence he has witnessed and is unable to speak. Simon takes him back to Canada and tries to help him heal.
Chapter 6: The Return
Jeanne returns to Canada and delivers the letters to her father and brother. The father is revealed to be the man who raped Nawal in prison. The son, who was the product of that rape, is the child that Sawda gave birth to in prison. The play ends with Jeanne and Simon coming to terms with their mother’s past and their own identities.
FAQ
What is the play Incendies about?
Incendies is a family saga that explores themes of identity, memory, and the legacy of war.
Who is the author of Incendies?
Wajdi Mouawad is the author of Incendies.
When was Incendies first performed?
Incendies was first performed in 2003.
What is the relationship between Jeanne and Simon?
Jeanne and Simon are twin siblings.
Who is Abou Tarek?
Abou Tarek is a man who helps Jeanne in her search for her father and brother.
Who is Sawda?
Sawda is a fellow prisoner who befriends Nawal in prison.
What is the significance of the letters that Nawal left for her children?
The letters instruct Jeanne and Simon to find their father and brother and deliver letters to them. The letters are addressed to a father they thought was dead and a brother they didn’t know existed.
Who is the father of Nawal’s son?
The father of Nawal’s son is the man who raped her in prison.
Pros
Incendies is a powerful and thought-provoking play that explores important themes. The play has been praised for its writing, acting, and direction.
Tips
If you are interested in reading or watching Incendies, be prepared for a deeply emotional and intense experience. The play deals with difficult subject matter and is not for the faint of heart.
Summary
Incendies is a family saga that explores themes of identity, memory, and the legacy of war. The play follows twin siblings Jeanne and Simon as they uncover the truth about their mother’s past and their own identities. Through a series of flashbacks and revelations, the play explores the impact of war and violence on individuals and families. Despite its difficult subject matter, Incendies is a powerful and thought-provoking work of art.
