THEATRE PREVIEW
SEPTEMBER 2024 | Volume 243
Photo by Dahlia Katz.
EARWORM
by Mohammad Yaghoubi
Nowadays Theatre & Blackout Arts Society
Presentation House Theatre, North Vancouver
Oct. 10-13
From $20
www.phtheatre.org or 604-990-3474
BUY TICKETS
EARWORM: A Groundbreaking Bilingual Theatre Production
A critically acclaimed play by Mohammad Yaghoubi, exploring love, justice, and asylum
Nowadays Theatre, in collaboration with Presentation House Theatre (PHT) and Blackout Arts Society, announces the Vancouver premiere of EARWORM, a thought-provoking play written anddirected by acclaimed playwright Mohammad Yaghoubi. This unique production, which explores themes of love, justice, and asylum, will be performed bilingually in English and Persian (Farsi) by the same talented cast in separate performances. Farsi-language performances will be on Friday and Saturday evenings, while English-languages performances will be on Thursday evening and weekend matinees.
Written and directed by Mohammad Yaghoubi, EARWORM had its world premiere presented by Nowadays Theatre in association with Crow’s Theatre on February 6, 2024, in Toronto. Due to its success, the run was extended until March 3, with 21 performances in English and 9 in Persian. The production garnered heartwarming feedback and excellent reviews, including Critic’s Pick from the Globe and Mail, which praised EARWORM as a must-see. It was also nominated for a Dora Mavor Moore Award for performance, with Aida Keykhaii among the nominees.
EARWORM tells the compelling story of Homa, a long-standing Iranian immigrant in Canada. Escaping persecution from the Islamic regime in Iran, Homa now faces a personal dilemma as her son falls in love with a conservative Muslim woman. Set against the backdrop of modern-day Toronto, the play navigates Homa's turbulent past and how it jeopardizes their future happiness.
This four-character play is inspired by real-life events in the Iranian community in Toronto. The city, known for its multicultural mosaic, has become a melting pot for various immigrant groups, including those fleeing political persecution and a safe haven for those who support the Islamic Republic government of Iran. EARWORM addresses the Iranian Canadian community's concerns about Canada's acceptance of individuals linked to Iran's oppressive regime.
EARWORM is on stage at Presentation House Theatre from October 10 – 13, 2024. Tickets are on sale at phtheatre.org/box-office/ or 604-990-3474. For more information and show details, please visit www.phtheatre.org/
Reviews:
- The Critic's Pick, The Globe and Mail: "Earworm at Crow’s Theatre is a must-see amid foreign interference inquiry." – J. Kelly Nestruck
- Intermission Magazine: “Earworm is as gorgeous as it is thought-provoking.” – Aisling Murphy
- Istvan Reviews: “Earworm is a deeply considered, intense and compassionate piece of theatre.” – Istvan Dugalin
- Our Theatre Voice: “An outstanding world premiere that is pensive and shocking.” – Dave Rabjohn
- A View from the Box: “Earworm’ is a thought-provoking, engaging world premiere play.” – Janine Marley
- Next Magazine: “‘Earworm’ digs into the skin at Crow’s Theatre.” – Andrea Perez
Cast: Aida Keykhaii, Amir Zavosh, Amir Maghami and ParyaHerav
Creative: Playwright & Director: Mohammad Yaghoubi, Set designer: Amin Shirazi, Composer: Farshad Fozooni, Sound Designer: Sina Shoaie, Dramaturge: Chris Abraham, Intimacy Director: Anisa Tejpar. Stage Manager: Shila Amin, Production Manager: Sahel Talischi
About Nowadays Theatre:
Founded in 2016, Nowadays Theatre has been at the forefront of presenting thought-provoking and culturally rich productions. The company is dedicated to showcasing diverse voices and stories, especially from the Iranian diaspora, fostering a deeper understanding of varied cultural experiences.
Nowadays Theatre is a Toronto-based not-for-profit company founded by Aida Keykhaii and Mohammad Yaghoubi in 2016. It is a highly acclaimed theatre company with over a decade of background in Iran with its Farsi name: 'Inrooz-ha', which means: 'Nowadays'. The company is dedicated to showcasing diverse voices and stories, especially from the Iranian diaspora, fostering a deeper understanding of varied cultural experiences.
Since 2016, they have performed eleven plays, primarily for Farsi speaking community of Toronto. Productions include: ‘Proof’, ‘The Pillowman’, ‘The Monsters’, ‘Sleeping in an Empty Cup’, ‘Iceland’, ‘Angels in Iran’, ‘A Moment of Silence’ (English premiere), 'Swim Team’ (English premiere), ‘Dance of Torn Papers’ (English premiere), ‘The Only Possible Way’ (English premiere), ‘Winter of 88’ (English premiere), ‘Heart of a Dog’ (English premiere) and ‘Earworm’ (World premiere).
About Blackout Art Society:
In 2012, Vancouver, BC, witnessed the inception of a unique theatrical force: Blackout Theatre. Initially emerging as an ad hoc theatre ensemble, we passionately set our sights on creating socially aware and pioneering theatre experiences that resonated deeply with the Persian community. With the invaluable contributions of local Persian artists, our first four years were marked by performances that echoed our cultural heritage and enlightened our audiences.
Taking a significant leap in 2017, Blackout Theatre transformed into a registered not-for-profit organization in British Columbia, Blackout Art Society.
As we evolved, our vision broadened. While the essence of our Persian roots remains undeniably central to our identity, our aspirations extend beyond. We envision a theatre that bridges linguistic and cultural divides, producing enthralling pieces in both Persian and English. We aim to connect with a diverse audience spectrum and secure our place amongst government-funded theatre establishments.
About Presentation House Theatre:
Nestled in the heart of North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale, Presentation House Theatre has become a neighbourhood creative hub, providing the community with a dynamic mix of professional theatre, music, and dance productions — all just a Seabus away from downtown Vancouver. We are the North Shore’s professional theatre company. For more than 40 years, we’ve entertained audiences with innovative programming and quality professional productions in our wonderfully welcoming space. We are committed to presenting and producing shows of the highest standard, and appealing to the diversity of North Shore audiences. We proudly offer programming for children and youth, adults young and old, the music aficionado and the innovative and emerging dancers. We are the cultural hub in your own backyard.
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