Review by: Jane Fitzpatrick

The short
Roya interactively teaches her theater audience about the Iranian New Year, called Nowruz, while she eagerly waits for her son to return home and celebrate with her. Through an explanation of the decorations and symbols found on her lavishly assembled table, Roya strings together her story as a Jewish immigrant from Tehran.

The Long

Avaaz is a play written and performed by Roya’s son, Michael Shayan. The performance artistically displays the writer’s understanding of what his mother experienced as an immigrant and single mother living in the United States following the Iranian Revolution. Although the setting is celebratory and the script is filled with relatable humor, it becomes evident that Roya has endured a great deal of pain, from fearing for her father’s life while he struggled as a Jewish activist in Iran to losing connection with her son. A lovingly crafted tribute, Avaaz is both deeply personal and universally inspiring.

To watch or not to watch

If you get the chance to see this play performed live, you are in for a treat! Michael Shayan will dazzle you the moment you step into the theater. Be ready to laugh and cry as Roya welcomes you into her beautiful home and her son opens his heart in a truly unique display of hope, fear, and honesty.