Layalina

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.

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.

Playwright Martin Yousif Zebari and Artistic Director Susan V. Booth in rehearsal for Layalina.

Photo by Hugo Hentoff

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

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Playwright Martin Yousif Zebari and Artistic Director Susan V. Booth in rehearsal for Layalina.

Photo by Hugo Hentoff

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