Pulitzer-Winning 'English' Performed by Royal Shakespeare Company
Sanaz Toossi’s play English, currently performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company, has opened at The Other Place in Stratford-upon-Avon. Running until June 1, 2024, and then moving to the Kiln Theatre in London, the play centers around four students in Karaj, Iran, grappling with the pressure to pass their English language exams.
Directed by Diyan Zora, the cast includes Serena Manteghi as Elham, a medical student aiming to study in Australia; Lanna Joffrey as Roya, a grandmother wanting to connect with her Canadian grandchild; Sara Hazemi as Goli, a bright teenager; and Nojan Khazai as Omid, whose motivations remain unclear but whose English proficiency surpasses that of their teacher, Marjan, portrayed by Nadia Albina.
Toossi’s comedy explores themes of identity, belonging, and language’s impact on self-perception. Although it contains moments of gentle humor and thought-provoking ideas, the play has been noted for its lack of dramatic tension and emotional depth.
The production uniquely distinguishes between the characters' fluent Farsi and their halting English through seamless transitions performed by the cast. While the play provides insightful moments, particularly those in Farsi that evoke deep emotional resonance, some narrative threads remain underdeveloped.
English offers a nuanced look at the intersection of language and identity, set against the backdrop of a classroom in Iran.