Welcome to Roya’s house, where she’s laid out a spread especially for you to celebrate Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. She’s got a chicken in the oven, but the true feast is the story of her life: beginning in Iran as part of that country’s small but ancient Jewish community, her flight from Tehran after the revolution, and her struggle to survive as an immigrant and single mother in Los Angeles. As a Jew in Iran and an Iranian in America, Roya relates her story with a heavy dose of humor, an essential survival tactic for outsiders. Most significantly, Roya is portrayed by her adult son and the author of Avaaz, Michael Shayan, in a solo performance that combines masterful storytelling with a loving tribute.
After a well-received run at South Coast Repertory (SCR), Avaaz played at the Olney Theatre Center in Maryland March 6th to April 7th, 2024. The national tour of Avaaz will commence at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts in September of 2024.
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