| English | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Written by | Sanaz Toossi |
| Original language | English |
| Subject | Language, identity, cultural assimilation |
| Setting | Karaj, Iran, 2008 |
English is a play bySanaz Toossi. The play explores themes of language, identity, and cultural assimilation, set in an English-language classroom in Karaj, Iran, in 2008. The play won the 2023Pulitzer Prize for Drama.[1]
The play is centered around four Iranian adults preparing for theTest of English as a Foreign Language, which is crucial for their ambitions to study or live abroad. The students include Elham, an aspiring medical student; Omid, who seeks a green card; Roya, who wants to communicate with her Canadian granddaughter; and Goli, who is earnest and determined to learn. Their teacher, Marjan, who has spent nine years in Manchester, England, enforces a strict English-only rule in class, creating tension and highlighting the personal and cultural conflicts each student faces.
English premiered off-Broadway on February 22, 2022 at theLinda Gross Theatre.[2]
TheStudio Theatre in Washington presentedEnglish from January 11, 2023 to March 12 of that year. Knud Adams directed the production.[3]
English premiered at theGoodman Theatre's Owen Theatre in Chicago on May 10, 2024. The Goodman Theatre's production ofEnglish was directed by Iranian directorHamid Dehghani.[4][5] It received acclaim for its thoughtful portrayal of the characters' struggles with language and identity. The set was designed by Courtney O’Neill, with costumes by Shahrzad Mazaheri, lighting by Jason Lynch, and sound design by Mikaal Sulaiman.[5][6]
TheGuthrie Theater's production ofEnglish opened on July 13, 2024, on the McGuire Proscenium Stage. Directed byHamid Dehghani, the production was co-produced with the Goodman Theatre. The set design was by Courtney O’Neill, with costumes by Shahrzad Mazaheri, lighting by Jason Lynch, and sound design by Mikaal Sulaiman.[7]
The play premiered on Broadway at theRoundabout Theatre Company'sTodd Haimes Theatre in previews on January 3, 2025 and officially opened on January 23.[8]
Critics in Chicago praised the Goodman Theatre production ofEnglish for its witty and insightful script, as well as its ability to balance humor with serious themes.[5][6] The play has been described as a rich character study that delves into the power of language and the personal costs of learning a new language. TheChicago Tribune praised the production for its "brilliant" portrayal of the characters' experiences, highlighting the play's global significance.[9]
The Guthrie Theater's production ofEnglish, directed byHamid Dehghani, received positive reviews for its emotional depth and portrayal of the struggles faced by Iranian immigrants learning a new language. Critics praised the play's humor, insight, and strong performances, while some noted the subtlety of its narrative. Overall, the production was lauded for its authenticity and impactful storytelling.[10][11][12][13]
