ENGLISH by Sanaz Toossi

a production of vienna theatre project

Winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Obie Award for Best New American Play, the vienna theatre project presents another superb, awardwinning comedy.

Set in 2008, the play follows four Iranians who gather three times a week for a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) class in Karaj, Iran. Led by Marjan, who bans the use of Farsi in the classroom, the students translate Ricky Martinsongs and struggle with prepositions, discovering how to be funny in English. As the class gradually descends into a linguistic mess, some students cling tightly to their mother tongue, while others embrace the opportunities a new language offers. This quietly powerful play illustrates how learning a foreign language can reflect deeper struggles, alter identities and open doors to new lives.

A stunning play about hope, belonging and desire. New York Theatre Guide
No shortage of easy comedy. The New Yorker
Both contemplative and comic … their struggle is not just linguistic. The New York Times

Stage Director: Joanna Godwin-Seidl, David Yanez Rodriguez
Starring: Tammalynne Grant, Ino Matsou, Anillo Sürün,
Tahzara Wurawa, Sara Zanganeh
Team to be announced
viennatheatreproject.com
Foto: Gernot Ottowitz

Performance license: Concord Theatricals

Supported by U.S. Embassy Vienna