Theater

“Heads”: EM Lewis’ Iraq hostage drama is an intelligent and understated portrait of survival. Watching the play, it’s almost impossible to not think of Daniel Pearl or any of the more recent hostage crises. To its credit, the play avoids sensationalism, focusing on the quotidian and banal aspects of confinement. It also steers clear of sermonizing, except for a speech about journalistic ethics that feels tacked on. The play grows progressively introspective as the clock ticks down, denying the prisoners a dramatic catharsis. Daily survival is dramatic enough.

-- David Ng

Ends Sunday at the Blank Theatre Company at 2nd Stage Theatre, 6500 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. (323) 661-9827.