Speaking English: Staging the Dialectics of Identity, Culture and Survival

The wildly successful world premiere of Iranian-American Sanaz Toossi’s award-winning play and production English (2022) captivated audiences who had never before seen their story captured in live performance. Set in a TOEFL classroom in Karaj, Iran in 2008, English occurs during a period of political transformation resulting in travel restrictions and family separations. The play focuses on the many personal, cultural and political questions raised by “foreign” language acquisition that are both specific and expansive upon its Iranian context. In conversation about this theatrical work, the award-winning English creative team discusses these topics and the process from script to production. Speakers Knud Adams, Director, English (2022) Sanaz Toossi, Iranian-American Playwright, English (2022) Moderated by Robert H Vorlicky, Visiting Professor of Theater, NYUAD Marsha Ginsberg, Scenic Designer, English (2022); Associate Arts Professor of Theater, NYUAD