By Martin Yousif Zebari
Directed by Sivan Battat
Layalina
Mar 3 – Apr 2, 2023 in Goodman's Owen Theatre
Around 2 hours and 15 minutes including one intermission.
A surprising new play about how families fall apart—and find each other again—amidst turbulent global and social change.
In 2003, newly-wed Layal and her family prepare to immigrate from Baghdad, Iraq, to a Chicago suburb. Seventeen years later, Layal’s life looks unimaginably different from what she had envisioned two decades prior, as she and her siblings explore queerness, face their grief, and discover what it takes to make home in a new place. Don’t miss this moving, powerful new play’s world premiere on the Owen Stage—fresh from Goodman’s New Stages and Future Labs programs.
Recommended for ages 14 and up.
Layalina contains references to violence, adult language, drug use, mild sexual content and exploration of queer identities.
Please Note: Masks are currently recommended, but not required, while in the theater. Policies may change based on prevailing medical guidance. Learn more about Goodman’s current Health and Safety Protocols at GoodmanTheatre.org/Protocols.
LAYALINA’s playwright Martin Yousif Zebari and director Sivan Battat explore the hilarious and heartwarming moments you’ll find within this “expansive intergenerational [and] intercontinental play.”
“Honestly, I’ve never seen anything better.” Audiences are falling in love with Layalina.
“She is the glue that keeps that family together.” The cast of Layalina gives props to the incredible women—on and off stage—in their lives.
Ali Louis Bourzgui in rehearsal for Layalina.
Photo by Hugo Hentoff
Artists in rehearsal for Layalina.
Photo by Hugo Hentoff
Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and director Sivan Battat in rehearsal for Layalina.
Photo by Hugo Hentoff
CRITICAL PRAISE
“Layalina is…well worth multiple viewings.”
Newcity
“Simply a must-see.”
Picture This Post
“A story of resilience and love.”
Chicago Reader
Audience Feedback
“I loved this so much. 10/10 would recommend!”
Kyle B. via Facebook
“Very interesting show and the sets and set changes [were] incredible.”
@NcohenCohen via Twitter
“One of the most beautiful sets, acting, and writing I have ever seen.”
Anonymous via Email
“What a brilliant and inspiring play, with an extraordinary, fabulous crew!”
Yunzhi L. via Facebook
“This cast is amazing!!!!!”
@wildlyunpractical via Instagram
“… it was really impactful to experience [world events] from a Baghdad family’s experience.”
Jaime T. via Email
Artists
SPECIAL EVENTS
Join us for any of the following accessible & enhanced performances.
Questions? Please contact 312.443.3800 (voice), 312.443.3829 (TTY/TDD) or email Access@GoodmanTheatre.org.
Learn More About Goodman’s Accessible & Enhanced Performances.
Touch Tour* and Audio-Described Performance
Sunday, March 26
12:30pm Touch Tour & 2pm Performance
Use code AUDIO for $20 tickets
American Sign Language-Interpreted Performance
Saturday, April 1 at 2pm
Use code SIGN for $20 tickets
Open-Captioned Performance
Sunday, April 2 at 2pm
Use code OPEN for $20 tickets
Spanish Subtitles Performance
Saturday, April 1 at 8pm
Use code SPANISH for $20 tickets
The Rest of the 2022/2023 Season
SPONSORS
