*Press release* - Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy ENGLISH explores identity, humor, and connection at Boise Contemporary Theater

In October 2026, Boise Contemporary Theater produces a beautiful, Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy about how spoken language and personal identity are deeply interconnected. English by Sanaz Toossi, directed by Vaneh Assadourian, previews Wednesday, October 7, and runs through Saturday, October 24, 2026, with evening performances starting at 7:30 PM this season in their newly renovated location on Fulton Street in Downtown Boise.

Kicking off BCT’s 26|27 Season, this captivating production dives into heart, humor, and the hilarity of human connection: Am I funny in English? Do we sing with an accent? Is my given name part of my identity? Written by Iranian-American playwright Sanaz Toossi from Orange County, California, English explores how language shapes who we are. Set in 2008 Iran, four adults in an English classroom tackle tricky prepositions and profound personal transformation. Bringing an authentic, Iranian narrative to the Boise stage, the production features an incredible team of artists, some Iranian-born and Iranian-American: Pantea Ommi (BCT’s The Life You Gave Me) and her aunt Shila Ommi (Pixar’s Elemental, Apple TV’s Tehran), both born in Iran and raised in Los Angeles, share the stage for the first time. They are joined by Fady Demian (Amazon Prime’s Terminal List: Dark Wolf), Iranian-American Ariana Mahallati (Pixar’s Win or Lose), and Maliha Sayed (Hulu’s Deli Boys). Director Vaneh Assadourian, born and raised in Tehran, leads this powerhouse cast in a funny and deeply moving Pulitzer Prize-winning story of identity and belonging.

BCT’s Producing Artistic Director Benjamin Burdick added, "We are thrilled to kick off our 26|27 Season of Communication, Connection and Courage with Sanaz Toosi's brilliant, funny, and moving play English. Under Vaneh's vivid direction, these five actors and their incredible talents bring it to life, and it truly soars."

Production details for English at Boise Contemporary Theater

CAST:

• Fady Demian (Omid)

• Ariana Mahallati (Elham)

• Pantea Ommi (Marjan)

• Shila Ommi (Roya)

• Maliha Sayed (Goli)

PRODUCTION & DESIGN TEAM

• Vaneh Assadourian (Director and Dialect Coach)

• Omid Akbari (Scenic Designer)

• Afsaneh Aayani (Costume Designer)

• Ian Evans (Lighting Designer)

• E.E. Bradman (Sound Designer)

• Rachael Fry (Props Designer)

• Elena Maddy (Stage Manager)

• Elke Myers (Assistant Stage Manager)

• Nicholas Jules Hewitt (Technical Director)

• Amandalynn Lovewell (Scenic Charge)

• Chris Pedersen (Head Carpenter)

• Matthew Chilcoat (Main Electrician)

• Brayden Buckley (Sound Engineer / Board Operator)

• Neekey Habibi (Wardrobe Assistant)

IMPORTANT DATES & MORE

Previews: Wed, October 7-Fri, October 9 at a new 7:30 PM start time.

Pay What You Want Nights: First preview, 7:30 PM October 7, and last Wednesday, October 21, 7:30 PM. Pay What You Want is available at the door only (not online). Accepting cash and cards (cards incur a small transaction fee).

Opening Night: 7:30 PM Saturday, October 10. Tickets to opening night include the exclusive after-party!

Educators’ Night: 7:30 PM Wednesday, October 14. Any school district employee with a valid school I.D. may buy one ticket at 50% off through our box office with code EDUNIGHT27. Show school I.D. at the door. (Not just for teachers, but any school district employee with a school I.D.).

Post-Show Convos: 2 PM Saturday, October 17, & 7:30 PM Friday, October 23. Stay after the performance to talk with actors and other theater makers for a Q&A-style discussion.

Closing Night: 7:30 PM Saturday, October 24.

Tickets: $35-$60; Previews: $25-$35; Ages 25 and under in sections B or C: $15; All prices are before taxes and fees. Military: 20% off with code MILITARY20. Available online or by calling the BCT box office at 208-331-9224 ext. 1.

For more information, please visit:

Playwright Sanaz Toossi: https://www.pulitzer.org/winners/sanaz-toossi

Director Vaneh Assadourian: IG: @Vaneh_33

Pay What You Want Night: https://bctheater.org/pay-what-you-want-night/

Educators’ Night: https://bctheater.org/educators-night/