Photo Flash: First Look at HEARTLAND at Luna Stage

Heartland, a new play set in Afghanistan and Nebraska, opened Saturday night at Luna Stage. Luna's artistic director, Ari Laura Kreith directs Kareem Badr, Brian Corrigan, and Lipica Shah.

Heartland weaves back and forth through time, unraveling a mystery that illuminates the cost of defending an American Empire. "It invites us to ask questions about our own responsibility, both to people we love and to people we have never met," says director Kreith.

Actor Lipica Shah adds, "This play is both personal and universal. It's about people who love one another deeply, but are often not on the same page. It's about finding connection in unexpected places."

Kreith describes Luna Stage as "a space for challenging conversations and magical, transformational theatrical experiences. Heartland accomplishes both," she says. "Gabriel Jason Dean's beautiful play celebrates the human capacity for forgiveness, change, and love."

Heartland runs through April 28, at Luna Stage in NJ's Valley Arts District. Tickets are $16-39, and are available at LunaStage.org/Heartland or by calling 973-395-5551. Special events including pre-show LunaLit book-related events and talk-backs with guest experts and members of the creative team are scheduled throughout the run. See the full schedule at LunaStage.org/Heartland.

Photos by Jody Christopherson

Brian Corrigan

Lipica Shah

Brian Corrigan, Kareem Badr

Brian Corrigan, Kareem Badr

Lipica Shah

Lipica Shah

Kareem Badr, Lipica Shah

Brian Corrigan

Lipica Shah, Kareem Badr

Lipica Shah, Kareem Badr

Lipica Shah

Kareem Badr, Brian Corrigan

Kareem Badr, Brian Corrigan

Lipica Shah, Kareem Badr

Lipica Shah, Kareem Badr, Brian Corrigan