Silk Road Theatre Project Hosts Readings of TALIB, 8/14 & 15

Silk Road Theatre Project hosts free staged readings of Michael Najjar's TALIB on Saturday, August 14th at 7:30PM and Sunday, August 15th at 2PM. The readings will be at the Historic Chicago Temple Buidling at 77 W. Washington St., Pierce Hall. Because these are open to the public, reservations are strongly recommended; please call (312) 857-1234 ext. 201 or e-mail boxofficie@srtp.org.

TALIB (Arabic for student) is set amid the aftermath of the Iraq War. Famous Iraqi actress Hannan Al-Najaf is invited by her friend Aida Al-Masri to stage her war drama at a major American university. When she discovers that an Iraq War veteran has been cast in her play, Hannan must confront her past and decide whether or not she can go on with the show. Talib explores the complicated dichotomies of war from the point of view of the soldiers and civilians and asks if, after so much loss on both sides, reconciliation is really possible.

The readings feature Adrienne Curry, Susaan Jamshidi, Vincent Mahler, Diana Simonzadeh, and Clayton Stamper. Each staged reading will be followed by a Q & A session with playwright/director Michael Najjar, moderated by SRTP Artistic Director Jamil Khoury.

TALIB is part of SRTP's Al Kasida Staged Reading Series which is Chicagoland's first and only staged reading series dedicated to plays featuring primary characters of Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean backgrounds.

In Arabic, "al kasida" means "the ode." The word is meant to evoke the rich tradition of storytelling and epic poetry in the lands of the Silk Road. Just as written and oral narratives helped convey the cultural and historical realities of antiquity, Al Kasida Staged Reading Series promises to illuminate for Chicago audiences the contemporary realities of communities that are as vast and diverse as they are misunderstood.

Silk Road Theatre Project showcases playwrights of Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean backgrounds, whose works address themes relevant to the peoples of the Silk Road and their Diaspora communities. Through the mediums of theatre, video, education, and advocacy, we aim to deepen and expand representation in American culture. For more information, please visit: http://www.srtp.org/

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