Photo Flash: First Look at Culture Project's SHAHEED: THE DREAM AND DEATH OF BENAZIR BHUTTO

Culture Project's Women Center Stage presents the Off-Broadway premiere of the acclaimed Shaheed: The Dream and Death of Benazir Bhutto written and performed by Anna Khaja and directed by Heather de Michele. Performances begin this Friday, March 8, 2013 at Culture Project at 45 Bleecker Street (at Lafayette Street). Opening Night has changed to Thursday, March 14th at 7:30PM. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

In Shaheed: The Dream and Death of Benazir Bhutto, Anna Khaja illuminates the lives and forces surrounding the slain Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Assassinated in 2007, Bhutto returned from exile to unite a nation bitterly divided over the ideals of Islam and democracy. Each monologue occurs in the minutes leading up to Bhutto's assassination in Rawalpindi. Shaheed takes us on a journey into Pakistan's complex relationship with the United States, into the depths of religious fundamentalism, and a people's struggle to reclaim their beloved nation, true freedom, and faith.

Shaheed: The Dream and Death of Benazir Bhutto received its New York premiere at the NY Fringe Festival in 2010 to critical acclaim. In addition, Shaheed was presented at the Women Center Stage 2012 Festival at The Living Theater and recently played three sold-out audiences in Los Angeles.

Shaheed: The Dream and Death of Benazir Bhutto will play the following performance schedule: Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30PM, Sundays at 2:00PM and Mondays at 7:30PM. There is a special added opening night performance on Thursday, March 14th at 7:30PM.

Tickets are priced at $20 for preview performances on March 8 - 11. For performances beginning March 14, tickets will be priced at $35 ($55 premium), and with student tickets at $25 (with valid I.D.) Ticket are available online at cultureproject.org or via phone by calling OvationTix at (866) 811-4111.

The many faces of Anna Khaja, who has written and performs in the Off-Broadway premiere of the acclaimed new solo play, Shaheed: The Dream and Death of Benazir Bhutto. Photo credit: Hunter Canning.

The many faces of Anna Khaja. Photo credit: Hunter Canning.

The many faces of Anna Khaja. Photo credit: Hunter Canning.

The many faces of Anna Khaja. Photo credit: Maia Rosenfeld.

The many faces of Anna Khaja. Photo credit: Maia Rosenfeld.