Celebration Theatre Ends Run of HARAM IRAN, 4/4

Celebration Theatre will close out its run of the West Coast Premiere of HARAM IRAN, based on the real life trial and execution of Iranian teenagers, Ayaz Marhouni and Mahmoud Asgari, convicted of being gay in Mashad, Iran in 2005, on April 4th.

HARAM IRAN is a coming of age tale about two boys, struggling to find their place as Arab Iranians in a modern world, whose lives change in an instant when they are caught in a compromising position. Ayaz Marhouni and Mahmoud Asgari, two fifteen year old boys who may or may not have been gay, are publicly humiliated and subsequently tried in the Iranian legal system when they refuse to betray one another. The story follows the boys' passions-one for literature and the other for sports-as they navigate their new relationship, the intricacies of the Iranian legal system and discover what it means to sacrifice oneself for love.

HARAM IRAN is directed by Michael Matthews. Broadway: BUTLEY (Assistant Director). Los Angeles: THREE TALL WOMEN, West Coast Ensemble, THE SANTA LAND DIARIES, THE JAZZ AGE (West Coast Premiere) The Blank Theatre Company in Association with Jana Robbins Productions, THE PRODIGAL FATHER (World Premiere), PORCELAIN, STUPID KIDS, BEAUTIFUL THING (2007 Ovation Nominations, Best Director and Best Play), THE BACCHAE (2007 Ovation Nominations, Best Director and Best Play) and the Los Angeles Premiere of FOUR, all at Celebration Theatre; DEAD END (Assistant Director) Ahmanson Theatre and THE CHERRY ORCHARD (Assistant Director) Mark Taper Forum. Chicago: WHAT'S WRONG WITH ANGRY? (2006 Jeff Nominations, Best Director and Best Production), IN THE BLOOD (2004 Jeff Nominations, Best Director and Best Production), and the Chicago Premiere of THE JUDAS KISS all with Circle Theatre, BEING 11 (World Premiere) with Serendipity at Victory Gardens, PORCELAIN (2001 Jeff Nomination, Best Director) Trap Door Theatre, ...for colored girls who have considered suicide, Journeymen Theatre. Michael served as the Artistic Director of Celebration Theatre from 2005-2008. Michael is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago, National Shakespeare Conservatory, NY, and an alumnus of Director's Lab West 2008, Pasadena Playhouse.

The CAST of HARAM IRAN includes: Sila Agavale, Tamer Aziz, Narendra Gala, Anoush Navart, Ayman Samman, Maz Siam and Michael Tauzin.

HARAM IRAN is produced by Jeremy O'Keefe and Christopher Sepulveda. The scenic design is by Kurt Boetcher, the lighting design is by Tim Swiss, the sound design is by Cricket Meyer and the prop design is by Michael O'Hara. The show is Stage Managed by Amy Stoddard. Celebration Theatre's Artistic Director is Michael A. Shepperd, Managing Director is Michael C. Kricfalusi.
ABOUT THE SCHEDULE AND PRICING

Celebration Theatre is a community of artists dedicated to presenting innovative, provocative and relevant work that examines the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer experience. We endeavor to challenge society's perception of this community and give a vibrant voice to its evolving identity.

The theatre is located at 7051B Santa Monica Blvd. (1/2 block east of La Brea Blvd.) in Hollywood. For more information, please visit www.celebrationtheatre.com.

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