YASMINA'S NECKLACE Begins Friday at Goodman Theatre

Chicago-based playwright Rohina Malik and director Ann Filmer reunite for the "downtown debut" of Yasmina's Necklace at Goodman Theatre, beginning October 20 in the Owen Theatre. Malik's "unique American love story, hilarious yet deeply moving, profound and beautiful" (OakPark.com) explores two disparate Muslim families coming together as their children embark on a romantic relationship. The play, which premiered under Filmer's direction at 16th Street Theater last year, has been further developed for the Goodman production-and the production's set features six paintings by Ahmad Abdulrazzaq, an Iraqi refugee living in Chicago, who received his diploma at the Institute of Fine Arts of Baghdad. Additional works by Abdulrazzaq will be displayed in the lobby and available for purchase (while pieces last)-along with selections from Oregon-based photographer Jim Lommasson's exhibit, "What We Carried: Fragments from the Cradle of Civilization" about Iraqi and Syrian refugees who have fled to the U.S. Yasmina's Necklace appears October 20 - November 19 in the Goodman's 350-seat flexible Owen Theatre. Tickets ($10-$40, subject to change) are available by phone at 312.443.4800, online at GoodmanTheatre.org/Necklace or at the box office (170 N. Dearborn). See page two for more information regarding events and accessibility. Rehearsal Photos are available here in the Press Room.

"I first encountered Rohina's work with her one-woman show, Unveiled, in which she portrayed five Muslim women discussing their choice to cover their heads-and the resulting discrimination they encountered, especially after 9/11. The play demonstrated Rohina's remarkable ability to challenge stereotypes surrounding the Muslim community with grace and humor," said Artistic Director Robert Falls. "Likewise, Yasmina's Necklace shows us individuals wrestling with their life circumstances-as we all do, regardless of our cultural backgrounds-while providing a glimpse into a cultural milieu that may be unfamiliar to many. I am delighted to welcome back Rohina and director Ann Filmer-two artists we are proud to have previously worked with as a Playwrights Unit member and Michael Maggio Directing Fellow, respectively-to share their wonderful production with Goodman audiences."

As previously announced, Susaan Jamshidi leads the nine-member cast as Yasmina-a young Iraqi artist who has hardened herself against the possibility of finding happiness after fleeing to Chicago from her war-torn homeland. But when she meets Sam (Michael Perez ), a man with his own emotional setbacks, what had seemed unthinkable becomes tantalizingly real. Joining Jamshidi and Perez are Salar Ardebili (Man), Rom Barkhordar (Musa), Laura Crotte (Sara), Allen Gilmore (Imam Kareem), Martin Hanna (Amir), Amro Salama (Ali) and Frank Sawa (Officer)-Ardebili, Crotte, Jamshidi, Perez and Salama return to the production from the world premiere at 16th Street Theater. The creative team includes Joe Schermoly (Set) Rachel M. Sypniewski(Costumes), Cat Wilson (Lights) and Barry Bennett (Sound). Winston & Strawn is the Contributing Sponsor for Yasmina's Necklace.

"I'm concerned about the portrayal of Muslims in the media. Often with television shows and films, roles that are written about Muslims are often written by people who are not Muslim, and they fall into problematic stereotypes. Rarely do we see Muslims as 'normal' human beings, and that's so dangerous," said Playwright Rohina Malik, whose production, The Mecca Tales, will make its New York debut later this month at the Sheen Center. "I wrote Yasmina's Necklace to not only challenge negative stereotypes, but to be the hammer to smash them. I'm thrilled to return to the Goodman and reunite with my longtime collaborator and friend, Ann, to share this timely play."

TICKETS, DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Tickets ($10-$40) - GoodmanTheatre.org/Necklace; 312.443.3800; Fax: 312.443.3825; TTY/TDD: 312.443.3829

Box Office Hours -12noon - 5pm; on performance days, the box office remains open until 30 minutes past curtain

MezzTix - Half-price day-of-performance mezzanine tickets available at 10am online (promo code MEZZTIX)
$10Tix - Student $10 advance tickets; limit four, with valid student ID (promo code 10TIX)

Group Sales are available for parties 10+; 312.443.3820
Gift Certificates - Available in any amount; GoodmanTheatre.org/GiftCertificates

This season, the Goodman introduces a new way to experience Chicago's world-class theater: MEMBERSHIP. Audiences choose from three levels to suit their preferences, including Classic 7-play, 5-play or 3-play packages; Choice, a personalized package that can include both Owen and Albert productions; and Whenever-the ultimate flexible package, to be used at any time during the season (not valid for A Christmas Carol). All Goodman members receive unlimited ticket exchanges, discounted parking, 15% savings at the Goodman bar and gift shop, restaurant discounts and more. To purchase a Membership visit GoodmanTheatre.org/Memberships or call the Box Office at 312.443.3800.

COLLEGE NIGHT - October 26 | 6pm meet-the-artists pizza party, 7:30pm performance

Tickets are $10 using code COLLEGE; includes dinner and performance. Students enjoy a pre-show reception with fellow theater-lovers and cast members, followed by a performance. GoodmanTheatre.org/CollegeNight

ARTIST ENCOUNTER - October 29 at 5pm | Goodman Theatre

Tickets are $10 for general public; free for Goodman Members, Donors and students. Join the playwright and director for an in-depth conversation about the play, moderated by Chicago Sun-Times Urban Affairs Reporter and Assistant City Editor Maudlyne Ihejirika.

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