When playwright Ayah Akhtar’s Disgraced opened on Broadway in 2014, it was hailed as a searing look at cultural identity and racism at a time when incidents of bigotry and violence against Muslims had been growing. The play was nominated for a Tony Award as Best Play. This week LA Theatre Works is presenting a radio theatre production of Disgraced as part of their season. The performances begin on Thursday and continue through Sunday at the James Bridges Theatre at UCLA.
In Akhtar’s play, Amir, a lawyer, and his wife, Emily, an artist, are holding a dinner party. Their guests are Jory, a friend from work and an art dealer, Isaac, who is considering representing the Emily’s work. Amir has eschewed his Muslim heritage for quicker advancement at the law firm. Emily is exploring his identity in one of her paintings. Amir is forced to deal with his identity when his nephew asks him to get involved after a local imam is arrested. These events ultimately upend the dinner party when prejudices and loyalties come into question.
Hari Dhillon, who originated the role of Amir on Broadway, returns for these performances. (He also appeared in the play when it was performed at the Mark Taper Forum.) Joining him for the LATW performances are Geoffrey Arend, Behzad Dabu, Samdeerah Luqmaan-Harris and Emily Swallow. Brian Kite is directing.
Akhtar has proven to be one of our most searing playwrights. His most recent play, Junk, opened last year at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre at Lincoln Center. Earlier this year Junk won the Edward M. Kennedy Prize for Drama Inspired by American History.
If you’ve never seen Disgraced, this is a perfect opportunity to hear one of the most acclaimed plays of the decade.