Like cell division, the character Ernesto “Che” Guevara in the original “Che Guevara and the Dispossessed” has been split into dual roles and, in turn, creates a new life of its own.

Written and directed by theatre history and film studies professor Roberto Pomo, “Che Guevara and the Dispossessed” tells the story of Guevara in more than just a biographical way.

“It is a play based on historical events that have been fictionalized,” Pomo said.

The edge of the story is created with the addition of hypermedia production and the portrayal of Che Guevara by Sacramento State alumnus Amir Sharafeh and Sac State senior Russell Dow.

Sharafeh plays the mature Che, while Dow plays Che from his youth up until his capture by Bolivian forces.

Sharafeh, 43, graduated from Sac State in 2003 with a bachelor’s in theatre. He started theatre in 1997 and has since directed four plays, while also having participated in more than 40 plays. This is his first play after a three year hiatus.

“Coming back to theatre is like riding a bike,” Sharafeh said. “You have all the tools and it may be a bit rusty in the beginning, but it brings the [motor] skills immediately to the forefront.”

Sharafeh believes being involved with many different art forms has also contributed to his performance as an actor.

“Every type of art helps an actor’s journey,” he said. “That is why I continue to paint, play music, write, direct, photograph and create visual effects for film, because all of those things bring me closer to recreating life.”

Sharafeh is accompanied by Dow, a 24-year-old theatre major, who has been performing since grade school.

The two actors did not know each other previously and have since grown a bond that has strengthened the connection of their onstage characters.

“We worked hard at making sure our kinetic language mirrored each other vocally and physically, because there needs to be a blend between the two of us,” Dow said. “That aspect of the show is very hard, and I find myself watching him anytime I can, just to pick up the little nuances.”

Dow’s character influences the actions of Sharafeh’s character. In order to have an honest connection, they must be attentive of each other.

“His performances are reflections of what has happened in mature Che’s life, so watching him fuels my fire to push through the scenes,” Sharafeh said. “It is a pleasure to watch him as he brings a scene to new heights for me to use as a springboard.”

Although Sharafeh and Dow find strength and passion in fueling each other, they both acknowledge that the play is impossible without the help of the ensemble.

“They’re hugely important in keeping the flow of the story,” Dow said. “This show would not function without the ensemble aspect of it – absolutely not – otherwise you would just be watching a guy get emotional about everything. Ensemble has one of the hardest jobs because there are 16 people that all have to be firing on the same cylinders at the same time.”

“Che Guevara and the Dispossessed” runs through Nov. 24 in the University Theatre. Tickets are $12 for general admission, $10 for students and $5 for children under the age of 13. Two midweek shows will be also available for $8 ages 13 and up and $5 for children.

Briana Swain can be reached at [email protected]