Monday, November 8, 2021

A fascinating perspective on My Name is Inanna, In times of Trauma and Disconnection

I'm thrilled to read a fascinating perspective on "My Name is Inanna" by Becky Jenkins, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in the relational treatment of trauma.

"I saw “My Name is Inanna” last weekend and was deeply moved by the storytelling of the playwright and talent of the cast. To take on the deep responsibility of telling the story of the Persian woman in diaspora, and to do it with such grace and authenticity is a tremendous feat that is playwright Ezzat Goushegir’s gift to humanity. In times of trauma and disconnection, especially for those who hold marginalized identity, this production was a reminder of human resilience and love in the face of cruelty, and validation of the painful emotions that contend with hope and connection. I was moved to both tears and robust laughter, along the entire spectrum of emotion, in just 90 minutes. Needless to say, I have been thinking about this play for the past week, and will be thinking about it for a very long time. Please go see “My Name is Inanna” which is being offered free of charge by The Red Tape Theatre who is taking steps to decolonize the arts with inclusion and accessibility."

Thank you, Becky! 


 

Saturday, November 6, 2021

Mary Shen Barnidge’s review of My Name is Inanna in Windy City Chicago

 

Mary Shen Barnidge’s review of My Name is Inanna published in Windy City Chicago reminds me of Susan Sontag’s style of writing in terms of language and content. It raises the responsibility of the audience and reader/viewer to dig deep and reflect on the pain and suffering of others. This practice needs a thorough understanding of a text and its theatrical production. It includes any other artistic form.

I’m thrilled to see that this review was shared 456 times since Wednesday November 3, 2021.

Mary Shen Barnidge’s first review on my earlier play Behind the Curtains was in 1995.


 

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

An Intelligent Review about MY NAME IS INANNA

A fantastic review for my play “MY NAME IS INANNA”, staged at Red Tape Theatre, published in Rescriptrd. Arti Ishak, the reviewer, grasped the essence of the play and understood the artistic, creative works by the dedicated team: director, actors, dramaturg, light designer, set designer, choreographers, custom designer and many great artists behind the scene, during the hard times of corona! A review should hint on the cultural and artistic significance of a production. And this one does it all!

 
 
 
Red Tape Theatre’s exciting new production speaks to our new hybrid reality with both in person and virtual performances.”
“Ezzat Ghoushegir’s poetic script flows effortlessly between genres, and moves at an excitingly unpredictable pace.”
Ali-Reza Mirsajadi is masterful in his direction, engaging every sense at once, melding live performance and technical elements to seamlessly curate each moment.”
“A rockstar ensemble made up of Nathaniel Andrew, Tamsen Glaser, and Yongwoo.”
Maryam Abdi carries the heart and soul of this story as Inanna.”
“With stories told like this, My Name is Inanna restores faith in the future of SWANA representation by reminding our community to “hold onto hope, remember your name, and wear your crown high.”
 

CAST:
Maryam Abdi (she/her)
Nathaniel Andrew (he/him)
Tamsen Glaser (she/her)
Yongwoo (he/him)

CREATIVE
Playwright: Ezzat Goushegir (she/her)
Stage Director: Ali-Reza Mirsajadi (he/they)
Livestream Director: Anna H. Gelman (she/her)
Artistic Director: Max Truax* (he/him)
Producer: Aaron Arbiter* (he/him)
Stage Manager: Sam Flipp (she/her)
SM Production Assistant: Lindsey Chidester (she/her)
Production Manager: Corey Bradberry (he/him)
Assistant Director: Mel Elkouz (they/them)
Scenic Design: Valeriya Nedviga
Scenic & Production Design: Yeaji Kim
Assistant Production Design: Parker Molacek
Lighting Design: David Goodman-Edberg
Associate Lighting Design: Hannah Wien
Costume Designer: Izumi Inaba*
Sound Design: Tim McNulty
Movement/Rhythm Directors & Choreographers: Phaedra Darwish (she/her) & Kathie Cantone (she/her)
Dramaturg: Yasmin Zacaria Mikhaiel (she/they)
Intimacy Director: Amanda Pulcini (she/her)
Director of Accessibility: Brenda Scott Wlazlo (she/her)
COVID Compliance Officer: Emily Nichelson (she/her)
Marketing Director: Casey Chapman* (he/him)
Associate Marketing Manager & Webmaster: Joseph Ramski* (he/him)
*indicates Red Tape Company Member

Photo Credit: Anna Gelman. Pictured: Maryam Abdi.

 

 
 

Actor: Maryam Abdi
 
From left to right: Maryam Abdi, Yongwoo, Tamsen Glaser, Nathaniel Andrew


Actor: Maryam Abdi

Actor: Nathaniel Andrew

Actor: Tamsen Glaser


Dramaturg: Yasmin Zacaria Mikhaiel