By Martin Yousif Zebari
Directed by Sivan Battat

March 3 - April 2, 2023 in Goodman's Owen Theatre

Around 2 hours and 15 minutes including one intermission.

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.

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

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

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