Silk Road Rising And Stage Left Theatre Present The World Premiere Of DETOUR GUIDE

Silk Road Rising and Stage Left Theatre are pleased to announce that they are joining artistic forces to bring the world premiere of Detour Guide by Karim Nagi to Chicago.

This one-man musical, directed by Anna Bahow, takes us on an alternative tour of the Arab World & Arab America. Using lyrics, percussion & an urban soundscape, master storyteller Karim Nagi guides us through a social and political labyrinth, extolling the virtues of revolution, immigration, and hummus along the way. Preview Performances begin March 11, 2019 at 8:00 pm at Pierce Hall in the Historic Chicago Temple Building.

Statement from Stage Left Theatre Board President, Dr. Angelique Sallas:
"We are absolutely delighted to join forces with Silk Road Rising on a production that sits so beautifully at the intersection of our respective missions."

Statement from Playwright and Performer Karim Nagi:
"My agenda is to demonstrate the depth of Arab art as exemplified in music and dance. My presentations are highly participatory and entertaining. Arab culture, through the universal language of music, becomes demystified and humanized. The beauty and authenticity of Arabic music and dance serve as a convincing demonstration of the simultaneous exoticism and familiarity of this ancient culture."

Statement from Director Anna Bahow:
"Theatre is a collective experience that invites us, the audience, to venture down a path that both visits our shared experiences and ventures beyond them. Karim Nagi's Detour Guide takes us on a journey through the Silk Road of the Middle East and our own American backyard. Through story and music he creates a detailed tour that takes us beyond stereotypes of what a name, ethnicity or region is 'supposed to be.'"

Statement from Jamil Khoury, Founding Artistic Director, Silk Road Rising:
"For some 35 years I have engaged with well-meaning people who were trying to 'make sense' of the Arab World only to throw up their arms, wave the white flag, and bewail 'It's too complicated!' To which my internal voices would respond, 'The world is complicated, life is complicated, and Arabs are people too!' Yes, our contemporary thinking demands that all things complex be broken down into bite size, digestible pieces, and that's exactly what musician and master storyteller Karim Nagi does. But he does so with sophistication, depth, humor, and wit. Detour Guide is no 'Arab World for Dummies.' It's Arab World for those who wish to be enlightened, challenged, and entertained. Join us for the road trip!"

Statement from Melissa Lindberg, recent addition to the Stage Left Board of Directors:

"Both companies strongly value community engagement, and this production perfectly inspires the conversations that we need to be having in our community at this point in time."

Preview Performances: $28 General Admission | $15.50 Students. Regular Run: $38 General Admission | $20.50 Students. Tickets are available at www.SilkRoadRising.org or by calling (312) 857-1234 ext. 201.