HARAM IRAN Makes Encore Performance At Center On Halsted 5/22-5/24

Haram Iran, written by Jay Paul Deratany and Directed by David Zak, is based on the true story about the trial of two Iranian teenagers in Mashad, Iran in 2005. This play made its debut in Chicago last November, and is proud to announce three encore performances at Center on Halsted.

Haram Iran tells the story of two boys coming of age, and struggling with their identities as Arab Iranians, and as typical teenagers longing to discover their place in the world. Ayaz Marhouni and Mahmoud Asgari, two fifteen-year-old boys who may have been experimenting with their sexuality - as many teenagers do. Because of their innocent explorations with one another, they are caught in a blameless situation, publicly humiliated and tried in the Iranian legal system. The story follows the boys' passions--one for literature and the other for sports--and their friendship. The play shows The Audience the complexity of their relationship, and the horrifying ordeal of being tried by an unforgiving Iranian legal system which misinterprets the Muslim law of Sharia.

The dates, names and many of the facts are true, however the trial scenes and much of the side story of the boys is fictional since it is not known exactly what occurred during the trial. What is known is that they were adolescents, who were tried and sentenced for "moral sins".

In Iran thousands of people, including children, are jailed or killed each year, some because they are women who have had pre-marital sex and others because they are considered to be homosexual.

Haram Iran is critical of Iranian politics and their very flawed legal system. This play does not, however critique or criticize Muslims, or the Islamic faith, which is a loving and peaceful religion. In fact, to the contrary, the writer draws the distinction between a loving faith and some of its misguided extremist followers.

Producer/writer Jay Paul Deratany has said, "this play is about exposing the human rights violations being committed on a daily basis; therefore I will be donating ALL of the profits from this play to Center on Halsted and the Anti-Violence Project. So when you buy your ticket, remember that ALL of your ticket price will go to help those who are in desperate need of our care and love." We also will be having a special VIP cocktail reception before the Saturday show to support the Anti Violence project.

The three Regular Performances are scheduled for:

Friday, May 22nd at 7:30pm
Saturday, May 23rd at 7:30pm **
Sunday, May 24th at 2:00pm

** A special reception will precede this show and start at 6:30pm. These premium tickets will cost $40
$20 for General Admission Ticket

Tickets are available througH Brown Paper Tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/66967 or at www.haramiran.com and by calling the Brown Paper Ticket Sales hotline at 1-800-838-3006.

Center on Halsted
3656 N. Halsted
Chicago, IL 60613
(773)-472-6469
http://www.centeronhalsted.org
mail@centeronhalsted.org

 

 

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