Playing with Fire

It's almost unbelievable that a woman can be beaten or murdered for being an actress on the stage or TV, but that is the case as a resurgent Taliban promotes radical Islamic views in Afghanistan. Playing with Fire, directed by Greek filmmaker Anneta Papathanassiou, tells the story of how once-numerous theater and TV opportunities for women actors in Afghanistan vanished during the Taliban's former reign of terror. Possibilities have slowly begun to blossom again at universities, newly-built theaters, and on popular broadcast shows, but there is a price: for all of the same reasons that innocent Muslim women are blamed for the sexual excitement of men (and thus are forced to cover up and never be in the company of a man other than a husband or immediate family member), actresses are regarded by some fundamentalists as being little more than prostitutes. It's not enough that actresses are careful never to touch an actor, despite being in scenes where contact would make sense. Nor does it matter that very few young Afghan women sign up for classes, audition, or even try to direct. Several women profiled here have endured much for their art, including the founder of a theater company who was forced into exile after winning a festival award; a student targeted by extremists; and a TV actress who is constantly harassed and threatened. No relief is apparent on the immediate horizon, but the courage of these women in the arts is deeply inspiring. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)