English is a play by Sanaz 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 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.[1]
Plot
The play is centered around four Iranian adults preparing for the Test 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.
Characters
Marjan : The English teacher who has returned to Iran after living in Manchester. She pushes her students to speak only English in class.
Elham : A strong-willed and competitive student who struggles with the implication that mastering English means sacrificing her Iranian identity.
Omid : Charming and self-assured, Omid enjoys watching English-language movies to improve his language skills.
Roya : Soft-spoken but capable of fiery frustration, especially regarding her son.
Goli : Sweet and earnest, representing the hardworking student who tries to stay out of conflicts.
English premiered at the Goodman Theatre's Owen Theatre in Chicago on May 10, 2024. The Goodman Theatre's production of English was directed by Iranian director Hamid Dehghani.[3][4] It featured a talented cast and 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.[4][5]
Guthrie Theater Production, Minneapolis (2024)
The Guthrie Theater's production of English opened on July 13, 2024, on the McGuire Proscenium Stage. Directed by Hamid Dehghani, the production featured a talented cast and 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.[6]
Critics praised English for its witty and insightful script, as well as its ability to balance humor with serious themes.[4][5] 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. The Chicago Tribune praised the production for its "brilliant" portrayal of the characters' experiences, highlighting the play's global significance.[8]
Guthrie Theater Production, Minneapolis (2024)
The Guthrie Theater's production of English, directed by Hamid 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.[9][10][11][12]
