English at Segal Centre for Performing Arts

A heartfelt and humorous look at what gets lost in translation “English always!” That is the class rule as four Iranians assemble in a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) classroom in Karaj, Iran. As the class slowly devolves into a linguistic mess, some students cling more tightly to their mother tongues while others chase the promise of new identities. The students play word games, translate Shakira songs, and endure major preposition confusion, and we are left with questions of how much it ultimately costs to fit in.

“Among the best new plays of the season.” – New York Theatre Guide

“Critic’s Pick! A rich new play!” – The New York Times

“Fascinating and completely satisfying. Toossi’s implications would be admirable at any time, but it is unquestionably relevant to 2022.” – New York Stage Review

Please note that the Sunday matinees and Tuesday evenings will be masking mandatory to welcome patrons who may be more comfortable around others who are masked.