Brownstein: Don't choose Segal Centre's play English by its title

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What’s within the title of a play title? On this province? Typically lots. 

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The title of the play is English. If it have been being offered at a franco theatre right here, anglos may bounce to preconceived notions about its contents. Equally, francos may have preconceived notions about it taking part in at an anglo theatre. 

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It seems that English is being offered on the anglo Segal Centre, and whereas it touches on language points, it makes no reference in any respect to Quebec. 

Penned by Iranian-American playwright Sanaz Toosi, the piece is about in Iran at a TOEFL (Check of English as a Overseas Language) college the place English is being taught to 4 college students from completely different backgrounds with completely different motivations. Frictions set in among the many college students whether or not studying one other language means forsaking their native Farsi dialect or just wanting to additional their training. 

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Clearly, there are specific parallels to the agony and ecstasy of language-learning right here and just about in all places else on the earth. However at its core, English principally presents an interesting glimpse, each touching and kooky, into the lives of some on a regular basis Iranians few right here would ever get to see.  

When the Segal Centre’s inventive and government director, Lisa Rubin, first programmed the play in 2020, it had but to make its world première in New York Metropolis. However then got here COVID, and its opening, in partnership with Toronto’s Soulpepper Theatre Firm, on the Segal Centre was delayed till now.  

Regardless, Rubin was conscious that choosing this play might be seen as an act of provocation by some based mostly solely on its title. 

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“Is the title a provocation in Quebec? 100 per cent,” mentioned Rubin, following a presentation of English on the Segal Centre. “I imagine the title of this play, English, takes on extra of an impression in Quebec than nearly anyplace else this play is operating on this continent. It means one thing completely different right here. However I really feel the title is a bonus. 

“But the title is basically what the play is all about,” Rubin famous. “What drew me to it was its deal with, first, a tradition so not often featured on stage in that sort of illustration, and, two, the concept that language, identification and immigration is so related to all of us residing right here.” 

In February, English received the celebrated Obie Award as the very best new American play staged Off Broadway over a two-year interval.  

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The play’s 5 principal characters, the trainer and 4 college students, are all performed by Iranian-Canadians right here. The 4 feminine solid members sport hijabs on stage. 

Rubin recollects assembly individuals of all backgrounds following latest performances for whom the play actually resonated.  

“Individuals are discovering themselves, whether or not they’re Iranian or not, in these tales, whether or not they be immigrant problems with cultural assimilation and struggling to grasp one other language or the battle to be their genuine selves.” 

In different phrases, common points. 

“However one factor this play just isn’t is a struggle for anglophones,” Rubin added. “If something, a message might be drawn about being extra affected person towards anglos attempting to talk French in addition to francophones attempting to talk English.” 

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Rubin additionally hopes the play will go a great distance towards altering long-held stereotypes. 

“So most of the exhibits we see have Center Jap characters who’re represented as terrorists or dangerous individuals. So it’s gratifying to see these characters as no completely different on many ranges and with the identical points as many people.” 

Iranian politics and faith don’t enter into the fray right here. However Anahita Dehbonehie, English’s Iranian-Canadian co-director and set designer, factors out that the play does provide an correct reflection of Iranian life on one degree. 

“Lots of people do converse English in Iran, and for a lot of it’s a ladder to get out,” mentioned Dehbonehie, who was born in Iran however moved to Toronto when she was 10. 

“The play may be very a lot about Iran, and Iranians who watch it are deeply moved. However on the similar time, individuals who have immigrated from different locations additionally determine with the characters. So it’s actually common but particular for Iranians.  

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“There isn’t any point out at school of the regime which is ubiquitous, as a result of the varsity is like an island that enables them to be freed from that. And we took some poetic licence right here in not having footage of Iran’s leaders on the partitions.” 

However Dehbonehie is fast to notice that the play was written and programmed for theatres effectively earlier than the loss of life of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, believed to be murdered for protesting in opposition to Islamic Republic guidelines concerning the carrying of hijabs in Iran. That, in flip, led to final September’s civil rebellion there, the biggest because the 1979 revolution. 

“Despite the fact that the play was written earlier than the rebellion, the reality is that Iran has been in a state of rebellion, in a state of revolution, for 44 years,” Dehbonehie said. “It’s been fixed strife. However these uprisings have caught the eye of the West and the media. So there’s sort of a precipice of hope that one thing may change.” 

English runs till Sunday on the Segal Centre, 5170 Côte-Ste-Catherine Rd. Info/reservations: segalcentre.org or 514-739-7944. 

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