Equilateral

Equilateral is an intellectual comedy set in Egypt just before the turn of the century, following British astronomer Thayer’s ambitious quest to signal advanced life on Mars. Fueled by the ideas of Darwin and other contemporary scientists, he initiates a massive project to construct a vast triangular signal in the desert, only to face unexpected challenges from local workers and a recurring malaria outbreak. Through the perspectives of two women—his practical secretary and a coveted house servant—Thayer's journey reveals themes of self-delusion, colonialism, and the complexities of communication both with the cosmos and among ourselves. Written with subtle humor and keen historical insight, the story critiques the hubris of exploration and the nature of "the other."