Avaaz at Emerson Studio at the Loretto-Hilton Center, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

Written and performed by Emmy-nominated writer and actor Michael Shayan and directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel, this solo play follows Roya, a larger-than-life Iranian-Jewish mother, as she welcomes audiences into her home to celebrate Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. Between preparing a feast and greeting guests, Roya shares the funny and heartfelt story of her journey from Tehran to California. The play is a celebration of family, identity, and the Iranian-Jewish immigrant experience.