OCTOBER 9 -NOVEMBER 11, 2012

A ROLLING WORLD PREMIERE Written by Adriana Sevahn Nichols Directed by Lisa Portes Table of Cast production CONTENTS LIST TEAM

3 Cast List and Production Team Rom Barkhordar* | Doctor, Ardavazt’s father, Malik Gillani | Producer Older Ardavazt Oghidanian Jamil Khoury | Producer 4 Cast Bios Sandra Delgado* | Young Alice Oghidanian, Adriana Sevahn Nichols | Playwright Aghavni “Ava” Oghidanian 6 Production Team Bios Lisa Portes** | Director Levi Holloway* | Ardavazt Oghidanian Matt McMullen* | Stage Manager Night Over Erzinga, by Adriana Sevahn 10 Artistic Ruminations Diana Simonzadeh* | Alice’s mother, Nichols, was originally commissioned and by Jamil Khoury Ardavazt’s Grandmama, Older Alice Caitlin Duerinck | Production Manager developed by Middle East America: A National Oghidanian Kyle Gettlelman | Technical Director New Plays Initiative created by Golden 12 Dramaturgical Notes Nicolas Gamboa | Khalil, Ardavazt’s Thread Productions (San Francisco), Lark Play by Neal Ryan Shaw Lee Keenan | Set Designer Development Center (NYC), and Silk Road Grandpapa, Bienvenido Raymundo Sarah Hughey | Lighting Designer Rising (). 14 Letter from the Co-Founders Carolyn Hoerdemann | Older Estrella, Nurse, Peter J. Storms | Sound Designer and Composer ’s production of Night Over by Malik Gillani and Jamil Khoury Ardavazt’s mother, Beauty on SS France, Erzinga is part of a rolling World Premiere Sahiba, Bambi, Soprano Jesse Gaffney| Props Designer 15 that began at Golden Thread Productions Map of Armenia Michael Salinas | Cop, Attendant, Turkish Elsa Hiltner | Costume Designer with Artistic Director Torange Yeghiazarian Soldier, Alberto the Italian Immigrant, and Managing Director Serge Bakalian in San 16 Invitation to Dialogue Johnny Jewels Neal Ryan Shaw | Dramaturg Francisco in September 2011. Allison Torf and Maliha A. Yousuf | Young Eva Breneman | Dialect Coach 17 About Silk Road Rising Silk Road Rising is working under general Aghavni, Anoushig, Garine, Estrella Becca McCracken | Casting Director licensing agreements from the American Mark Jacob Chaitin | Understudy Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers 18 Company Members and Azar Kazemi | Assistant Director (ASCAP) and Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) Board of Directors Catherine Dildilian | Understudy Hillary Gibson | Assistant Stage Manager for the purpose of this production. The rights Andrea Salloum | Understudy Kristen P. Ahrens | Costume Design Assistant to all non-original music used in Night Over 19 Sponsor Acknowledgements and Erzinga is covered under these agreements. Special Thanks Marc Rita | Understudy Penka Kouneva | Composer All original music composed by Penka Lara Kalayjian | Choreographer 20 Supporting Donations Allison Torf and Maliha A. Yousuf play the Kouneva is being used with the composer’s roles Young Aghavni, Anoushig, Garine, and Rebecca Cagney | Wardrobe Supervisor permission courtesy of Golden Thread Estrella in alternating performances. Productions (San Francisco, CA). 22 Neighborhood Partners Corey Pond | House Manager Al Gillani | I.T. and Box Office Manager Sarah Ibis | Program Editor Melissa Rose | Child Wrangler

* Denotes member of Actors’ Equity ** The Director is a member of the Stage Association, the union of professional Directors and Choreographers Society, actors and stage managers a national theatrical labor union.

2 3 cast film, and can be seen as Gino in The Mob Doctor Michael Salinas (Cop, from The Great River Shakespeare Festival, as well on Fox. Levi Holloway received his BFA in acting Attendant, Turkish Soldier, as Black Box Studio in Chicago. He is an Artistic from the Theatre School at DePaul University. Alberto the Italian Immi- Associate with (re)discover theater and on staff at bios grant, Johnny Jewels) is an DirectorsLabChicago. Many thanks to Lisa and Jamil. Diana Simonzadeh (Alice’s ensemble member of Steep mother, Ardavazt’s Grandmama, Theatre where he has appeared Catherine Dildilian Rom Barkhordar (Doctor, Older Alice Oghidanian) is in Pornography, Festen, A (Understudy) is the great Ardavazt’s father, Older thrilled to reunite with her Silk Brief History of Helen of Troy, granddaughter of genocide Ardavazt Oghidanian) is Road Rising family. In 2011 The Hollow Lands, and In Arabia, We’d All Be Kings survivors. She received her BA honored to be working at Silk she received a for (Jeff Award for Best Ensemble). He has also worked in Theatre Performance from Road Rising for the first time. her work in Silk Road Rising’s with Pavement Group, Lookingglass, Dog & Pony, Western Michigan University. Some theatres he has worked Scorched. Other SRR appearanc- The House, Collaboraction, Steppenwolf, and The Chicago credits include Johnny with include the Steppenwolf, es have been invited staged readings: Paulus, A Dress . Regional credits include Laura Theatre at Chemically Imbal- Writer’s, Timeline, Greasy of Steel Mesh, and Talib. She has worked with notable Eason’s The Vast In-Between(Perry-Mansfield New anced Comedy and The Vortex with Dead Writers Joan, Eclipse, Griffin, and Steep theatres. Regionally, companies such as Steppenwolf, Next Theatre, and Works Festival in Steamboat Springs, CO); Spin- Theatre Collective. Catherine Dildilian sends deepest he has been seen at Baltimore Stage and Kansas City Asolo Rep. Diana Simonzadeh is active in Chicago’s ning Into Butter (SouthernRep). He will also be thanks to everyone involved for the opportunity and Rep. Some of his favorite past productions include independent film scene; releases include Waterwalk, seen in Failure: A Love Story at Victory Gardens thanks God everyday for the many blessings in her Around the World in 80 days at Lookingglass (seven Qwerty, Yesterday She Was Here, Between Western and in November. www.michaelsalinasactor.com life, including her friends and family and for their Jeff nominations), Not About Nightingales at Timeline California, Scrooge & Marley, and Remote Viewing. encouragement and support. Love and gratitude Theatre (six Jeff Citation awards), Ruined at The Allison Torf (Young Aghavni, to her best friend and husband, Matthew Sitz. Nicolas Gamboa (Khalil, Ar- Goodman (Pulitzer prize winner), and Mother Courage Anoushig, Garine, Estrella) is a davazt’s Grandpapa, Bienvenido Andrea Salloum (Under- and her Children at Vitalist. Thanks to his wife, Maren. 7th grader in the gifted program Raymundo) is a Colombian born at Wood Oaks Jr. High. Previ- study) is very excited to be Sandra Delgado (Young actor now based in Chicago. ous credits include Stage Left working with Silk Road Rising Alice Oghidanian, Aghavni Night Over Erzinga marks his Theatre, Provision Theatre, and bringing to light the stories “Ava” Oghidanian) makes debut with Silk Road Rising. and Shedd Aquarium. When of the Armenian people. Since her Silk Road Rising debut With a BA in theatre, Nicolas Alli’s not acting, dancing, or 1995, she has served as the with Night Over Erzinga. Gamboa’s other credits include singing, she loves to read and hang out with friends. Artistic Director of Kidworks Chicago credits include Icarus (Bohemian Ensemble), Beauty of the Father (Ur- Touring Theatre, where she work at the Goodman, ban Theatre), and Changes of Heart (Remy Bumppo). Maliha A. Yousuf (Young writes, directs and performs in shows about multicul- Steppenwolf, Victory Gardens, He is very thankful for this opportunity and would Aghavni, Anoushig, Ga- tural tolerance and world peace. In addition, she has Lookingglass, and About Face. Regional credits like to dedicate this performance to his family, friends, rine, Estrella) is thrilled to performed with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Second include Actors Theater of Louisville and Missouri his loving Clarita, and all of you supporting the show. be making her official Silk City, Lookingglass, Congo Square, Lyric Opera, in the Repertory. She has been seen on television as well: Road Rising debut. She most original cast of Tony-n-Tina’s Wedding...and every Ital- Carolyn Hoerdemann Law & Order: SVU and POWERS. Sandra Delgado recently appeared as Dorothy, ian Mafia show in town! Most recently, she performed (Older Estella, Nurse, Ardavazt’s is an ensemble member of Collaboraction and Snow White, and Epsilon in in Oak Park Festival Theatre’s Inherit the Wind. mother, Beauty on the SS Teatro Vista. She premiered her solo piece, para local theatres. Maliha loves France, Sahiba, Bambi, Soprano) Marc Rita (Understudy) is Graciela, in July. She is a TCG Fox Foundation to sing, swim, travel, and bake. Her favorite was last seen in Timeline The- thrilled to be working with Fellow in residency at the Goodman Theater where school subjects are math, reading, and science. atre’s My Kind of Town and the Jamil, Malik, and Silk Road she is developing para mis Madres. She will star in Goodman Theatre’s Camino Rising. Marc Rita has worked Steppenwolf’s Motherf**cker with the Hat this winter. Mark Jacob Chaitin Real; before that she was in the (Understudy) is pleased to make with Rasaka Theater, Tinfish, Levi Holloway (Ardavazt critically acclaimed Overweight Unimportant Mishape: his Silk Road Rising debut Victory Gardens, Bailiwick Oghidanian) is honored to be A European Supper at the Trapdoor Theatre. Other re- with Night Over Erzinga. He Rep, Wisdom Bridge, Pen- working with Silk Road Rising cent projects include Venus at the Steppenwolf Garage has worked with Great River insula Players, and various for the first time. In Chicago, and the Jeff Award winning Scorched at Silk Road Ris- Shakespeare Festival, Intiman companies in Los Angeles. Some of his acting he has appeared in productions ing. Carolyn Hoerdemann is a company member at Theatre, The Repertory Theatre roles include Koichi Asano in A Majority of One, with Steppenwolf, Northlight, Collaboraction and the European Repertory Compa- of St. Louis, Pittsburgh Irish Serge in Art, Kee-wau-nee in Apparitions, and Vijay About Face, Provision, Shattered ny. She has also worked with The Chicago Children’s & Classical Theatre, Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Gupta in The Masrayana. Marc Rita received his Globe, and Chicago Children’s Theatre and American Players Theatre in Wisconsin. Park, The Zany Umbrella Circus, Unseam’d Shake- training at The Organic Theatre and Steppenwolf Theatre. He is a teaching artist with Lookingglass She is a faculty member at The Theatre School at speare, and the Paris Opera Ballet. Chicago credits Theatre companies many years ago. He would like Theatre Company. He has appeared on TV and DePaul and is represented by Paonessa Talent. include work at New Leaf, Redmoon, and About to thank his family for their love and support. Face. Mark Jacob Chaitin has classical training

4 5 production team called Mosque Alert, which he is developing as part nationally and internationally, at ORRAN center Caitlin Duerinck (Production Manager) is of a first-of-its-kind new play development and civic for at risk youth in Yerevan, Armenia, Goodman, thrilled to be working with Silk Road Rising again! engagement process. Past theatrical successes include CalArts, UCSB, and mentored girls living in group This is her second main stage production with Silk bios two critically acclaimed cabarets, Re-Spiced: A Silk homes through personal myth-making workshops. Road Rising, where she previously worked on Re- Road Cabaret and Silk Road Cabaret: Broadway She is currently working on her new play, Running Spiced. Other credits include house management Sings the Silk Road. He was a featured playwright On Roller Skates. For my family with love. for Silk Road Rising’s summer staged readings and Malik Gillani (Producer) is in Silk Road Rising’s The DNA Trail: A Genealogy a large variety of technical roles at Saint Mary’s Founding Executive Director of Short Plays about Ancestry, Identity, and Utter Lisa Portes (Director) is College. Caitlin Duerinck holds a BA in Writing of Silk Road Rising, a position Confusion. His short play WASP: White Arab Slovak happy to return to Silk Road and a BFA in Sculpture from Saint Mary’s College. to which he brings extensive Pole inspired the short video play both/and and the Rising where she most recently She is currently pursuing a Masters degree in experience in production, documentary film Not Quite White: Arabs, Slavs, directed the staged reading of Arts Management from Columbia College. Calligraphy management, and business and the Contours of Contested Whiteness. His weight by Velina Hasu development. He is thrilled to loss of over a hundred pounds inspired the short Houston. Recent credits include Kyle Kevin Gettelman (Technical Director) Highway 47 be advancing both the rich cul- video play The Balancing Arab. Jamil Khoury’s play by KJ Sanchez is pleased to join Silk Road Rising for his first The Piano tural legacy of the Silk Road and greater visibility for Precious Stones won Magazine’s 2003 (Yo Solo Festival), production with the company. His recent Technical Teacher Barrio Grrrl Silk Road artists. Malik Gillani nurtured Silk Road After Dark Award for Outstanding New Work and by Julia Cho (Next Theatre), Director credits include Merchant of Venice, Turn Rising from its embryonic stage into a celebrated has been performed in ten cities across the nation. by Quiara Alegria Hudes (Chicago Playworks), the of the Screw, and Tea at Five for ; Ghostwritten theatre company, integrating business acumen and He holds a MA degree in Religious Studies from world premieres of (Goodman Theatre) and Heddatron as part of the 2011 Steppenwolf After a Hundred Years fiscal responsibility within an artistic mission. He The University of Chicago Divinity School and a BS and (Guthrie Theatre) both by Theatre Garage Rep, and Theories of the Sun for Ski Dubai Spare is a recognized leader in the creation of innovative degree in International Relations from Georgetown Naomi Iizuka, by Laura Jacqmin and Sideshow Theatre Company. Kyle Kevin Gettelman Change arts programming that expands artistic access. Most University’s School of Foreign Service. He was a by Mia McCullough (Steppenwolf Theatre, is currently Technical Director for the Theatre Elliot, A Soldiers Fugue notably, he conceived of and developed SRR’s model Kellogg Executive Scholar at Kellogg School of First Look), by Quiara Hudes Department at North Central College in Naperville Permanent for creating online video plays which are now being Management, and has been (Teatro Vista and Rivendell Ensemble), and holds an MFA from the University of Virginia. Collection viewed across the globe. He is currently develop- awarded a Certificate of Professional Achievement by Thomas Gibbons (Northlight Theatre), In the Blood Far Away Lee Keenan (Scenic Designer and Artistic ing a new arts education program for high school in Nonprofit Management. He is the 2010 recipient by Suzan-Lori Parks and by Wilder Associate) has called Silk Road Rising home since students in partnership with San Diego’s Playwrights of the 3Arts Artist Award for Playwriting. Caryl Churchhill (Next Theatre), and by Project called EPIC (Empathic Playwriting Intensive Erin Cressida Wilson and the Red Clay Ramblers 2006. Scenic designs include Back of the Throat, Course). Malik Gillani earned a BA from St. John’s Adriana Sevahn Nichols (Playwrights Horizons). Lisa Portes has developed Golden Child, Merchant on Venice, Caravaggio, College in Annapolis, Maryland. He is a Kellogg (Playwright) is delighted to new American plays at The Vineyard Arts Project, Silk Road Cabaret, Our Enemies, Yohen, and The Executive Scholar at Kellogg School of Management, return to Chicago where her Victory Gardens Sundance Summer Theatre Lab, DNA Trail. Lee has also designed scenery for Northwestern University and has been awarded a critically acclaimed solo show, Eugene O’Neill Playwrights Conference, Steppenwolf Collaboraction, The Hypocrites, and The House Certificate of Professional Achievement in Nonprofit Taking Flight, was a hit at the Theatre, Goodman Theatre, the Public Theatre, New Theatre of Chicago, where his is also a company Management. He is currently pursuing a Masters Goodman’s 2008 Festival York Theatre Workshop, South Coast Repertory member. His lighting designs have appeared at Court in Nonprofit Administration from North Park Latino. Her work has been Theatre, the Kennedy Center, and McCarter Theatre. Theatre, Griffin, House, Lookingglass, Chicago University. He is the recipient of the IBM Business developed and performed at Lisa Portes heads the MFA Directing Program at The Shakespeare, Steppenwolf, Circle, Next, Eclipse, and Technology Leadership Award and was honored the Sundance Theater Lab, South Coast Repertory, Theatre School at DePaul University. Upcoming work Baliwick, The Building Stage, and 500 Clown. by Changing Worlds for Outstanding Contributions Mark Taper Forum, Kirk Douglas Theatre, Golden includes Concerning Strange Devices from the Distant Sarah Hughey (Lighting Designer) designed to the Arts. Recently, he received the prestigious Chi- Thread Productions, Lark Play Development West by Naomi Iizuka at Timeline Theatre this winter. lights for Silk Road Rising’s Yellowface and Scorched cago Community Trust Fellowship Award. As a part Center, LA Theatre Works, Stages Theatre, The (2011 Jeff Award for Lighting Design). Other Chicago of his CCT Fellowship, Malik Gillani has received Fountain, and INTAR. She is the recipient of Matthew McMullen (Stage Manager) is credits include House Theatre of Chicago, Writers’ mentorship from the leaders of ethnically specific and the 2008 Middle East America Distinguished excited to be working for Silk Road Rising! Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Chicago Children’s multi-cultural theatre companies across the nation. Playwright Award, a San Diego Theatre Critics Matthew McMullen’s stage management credits Route 66 Theatre, , Fox Valley Rep, Circle Award, Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival include Paramount Theatre’s , Goodman RED The Griffin Theatre, , The Gift, A Red Jamil Khoury (Producer) Award, and is a finalist for the upcoming William Theatre’s , Provision Theater Company’s Foreigner Shadowlands Godspell Orchid Theatre, Lookingglass, Chicago Symphony is Founding Artistic Director Saroyan Playwright’s Prize. Her plays have been , , and , and the Huron Kiss Me Kate Nunsense-The Mega Musical! Orchestra, and Steep Theatre. Sarah Hughey of Silk Road Rising. As a published by Samuel French, Smith & Kraus, and Playhouse’s , , Leading Ladies earned her MFA from Northwestern and teaches playwright, his work focuses Northwestern Press. As an actress, her TV credits and . In addition, he works part time at Northwestern and Columbia College Chicago. on Middle Eastern themes include Law & Order, The Unit, Sex & The City, as a Lighting/Rigging Supervisor at McCormick and questions of Diaspora. Place, and has toured North America and Latin and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Theatre credits Peter J. Storms (Sound Designer and Composer) He is particularly interested include work at SCR, Public Theatre, Boston Court, America as an Assistant Electrician with Disney on in the intersection of culture, Ice. Matthew McMullen would like to thank Missy would like to thank you for supporting live Goodman, Shakespeare & Co., Yale Rep, Classic theater. Previously at Silk Road Rising, Peter J. national identity, sexuality, and class. Jamil Khoury Stage Company, and ACT. She has taught workshops for her love and support. Proud Equity member. is currently writing a new feature film/docudrama

6 7 (PRODUCTION TEAMBIOS continued)

Storms sound designed Yellowface and Scorched, Eva Breneman (Dialect Coach) has numerous Productions), The North Plan (Theatre Witt, as Primer and Through the Middle Ground (the side for which he received a 2011 Joseph Jefferson Chicago credits, including Immediate Family Assistant Stage Manager), and Andrew’s Brothers project), Shadowlands (Provision Theatre), and Equity Award for Outstanding Sound Design. His (Goodman), The March (Steppenwolf), Elizabeth (Metropolis, as ASM). Company Management Low Pay Don’t Pay (Piccolo Theatre). Rebecca sound design and music direction have also been Rex and The Madness Of King George (Chicago credits include Northern Stage, WV Public Theatre graduated from the University of Wyoming where heard at Circle, Noble Fool Theatricals, Theatre Shakespeare Theatre), Eastland and The Great (as Assistant Company Manager), and Florida Studio she worked on shows such as Hamlet, Into the Woods, Building Chicago, Raven, and TimeLine, among Fire (Lookingglass), Angels in America (Court), Theatre (as ACM). Thanks to friends and family! A Chorus Line, and many more. She would like to others. He serves as the accompanist for Unity The Caretaker (Writer’s Theatre), The History Boys thank her family for their continued support. Temple in Oak Park and is the touring keyboardist (Timeline), and The Light in the Piazza (Theo Kristen P. Ahern (Assistant Costume Designer) for Michael Londra and Beyond Celtic. Special Ubique, Jeff Award for Dialect Coaching). Other is excited to work with Silk Road Rising for the Corey Pond (House Manager) is a recent thanks to Juliana for her love and support. credits include Mamma Mia! (National Tour; first time! Some of her favorite credits include Floyd graduate from Illinois State University where he www.peterstorms.com Las Vegas). Television credits include The Chicago Collins (Bohemian Theatre Ensemble), The Art of studied theatre with an emphasis on directing. Code (Fox) and The Beast (A&E). Eva Breneman Dining (Dominican University), and The Fever Chart Since beginning work with Silk Road Rising, Jesse Gaffney (Props Designer) is happy to is an Associate Artist at Timeline Theatre and a (Eclipse Theatre Company). Kristen P. Ahern also Corey Pond has assistant directed Re-Spiced, be back at Silk Road Rising. Elsewhere in the Production Affiliate of Lookingglass Theatre. manages the costume shop at Dominican University. staged managed a few staged readings, and house Chicago area she has worked with 16th Street, She would like to thank Elsa for launching her career managed two productions. Most recently, he was Immediate Family, Congo Square, Lifeline, Chicago Becca McCracken (Casting Director) has in the community two years ago; the dramaturg for Savage Land by Josh Nordmark, Children’s, Apple Tree, and Noble Fool Theatre worked with Silk Road Rising on The DNA Trail, she would not be here without her mentorship. For produced by Nothing Special Productions. Companies, among others. Outside of Chicago Jesse Yellowface, Scorched, and Re-Spiced. Other regional more information, see www.behance.net/kristenp. Gaffney has worked for Allenberry Playhouse in credits include American Blues, Asolo Rep, Clarence Al Gillani (I.T. and Box Office Manager) is Pennsylvania, Stages St. Louis, and The Arrow Rock Brown Theatre, Cleveland Playhouse, Fox Valley Rep, Penka Kouneva (Composer) is a Sundance proud to assist Malik and Jamil in managing Lyceum. You can follow her work on her blog at Guthrie Theater, Indiana Rep, Jupiter Theatre, Kansas Fellow and Hollywood film composer. She scored Silk Road Rising’s information technology wwwtheatreprojects.blogspot.com. Thanks and love City Rep, Madison Rep, Milwaukee Rep, New the video games Prince of Persia: Forgotten Sands needs and the theatre’s box office functions. Al to Warwick. Theatre, Shattered Globe, Syracuse Stage, and Writers’ and Transformers ’09, and also orchestrated on Gillani enjoys learning about and applying I.T. Theatre. Other theatre credits include How To Train Pirates of the Caribbean 3, Angels and Demons, and functionality. This year, he will be helping the Elsa Hiltner (Costume Designer) is delighted to Your Dragon, Working, Peter Pan The Show, Doyle & The Matrix. In 1990 she received Duke University theatre move to a cloud platform. He loves talking be working with Silk Road Rising on Night Over Debbie Show, as well as the Tony Award Winning graduate fellowship. Her blues musical John Henry to patrons and hopes you’ll be calling soon to Erzinga. Favorite Chicago theatre credits include musical Million Dollar Quartet, and Showboat for the and the Shaker was produced at Ford Theater in buy SRR’s three-play 2013 subscription! Signal Ensemble Theatre, Walkabout Theater, First . She is a proud member of 2002. Penka Kouneva’s awards include two Ovation Folio Theatre, Eclipse Theatre, Collaboraction, and the Jeff Committee and a director at Simon Casting. Awards, Platinum Remi, Aaron Copland Award, and Sarah Ibis (Program Editor) is happy to be working Teatro Vista. Regional credits include Next Act Meet the Composer Fellowship. She just released with Silk Road Rising once again! Previously, Theatre (Milwaukee), Balagan Theatre (Seattle), Azar Kazemi (Assistant Director) most recently an instrumental album, A Warrior’s Odyssey. Sarah Ibis has been house manager, program editor, and Book It Repertory Theatre (Seattle). Elsa is directed Crave by Sarah Kane at The Blind Owl, and an understudy for Silk Road Rising. She has a company member of Collaboraction and an where she also serves as the founding artistic director. Lara Kalayjian (Choreographer) is a graduate appeared in many stage productions in the Chicago artistic associate of First Folio Theatre. Recently, Last winter she directed the midwest premiere of of Loyola University, Chicago. She currently area, but is now relocated to the Los Angeles area. Elsa Hiltner was living in the Middle East studying Jack’s Precious Moment by Samuel D. Hunter at teaches English at The College of Chicago in Thanks to Jamil, Malik, Sean, and Samuel for the costume history. For more information about Will Act For Food. She is a graduate of DePaul Mount Prospect, and High School District 211 opportunity to work from the best office ever: home. her designs please visit www.elsahiltner.com. University’s MFA directing program and has worked in Palatine. Having performed in Armenian folk at Victory Gardens, Next Theatre, and Chicago dance groups their whole lives, she and her brother, Melissa Rose (Child Wrangler) is a graduate of Neal Ryan Shaw (Dramaturg) is thrilled and Shakespeare Theatre. Azar Kazemi has also assisted Karnig Kerkonian, created the Armenian Dance Indiana University with degrees in Arts Management grateful to continue working with Silk Road Rising. Ethan Hawke on two Off-Broadway productions. Company of Chicago in 2008. Their 2010 debut and Stage Management. She is thrilled to be back in Previous productions include Re-Spiced, Yellowface, This fall she will direct the world premiere of performance Vank, A Tribute to the Armenian the Midwest after spending a year in Vermont with and Scorched. He has also worked with A-Squared Something Blue by Julie Proudfoot at Artemisia. Quarter in Jerusalem proved a huge success! Lara Northern Stage. Last December, Melissa Rose had the Theatre Workshop as a writer on My Asian Mom, Fifth Kalayjian believes that Armenian dance has allowed privilege of working with twelve young actors playing House Ensemble as writer of In Transit: #iwitness, Hillary Gibson (Assistant Stage Manager) is a these young people the opportunity to fulfill their the orphans in Annie, and she’s excited to work with and Halcyon Theatre as dramaturg on Family proud graduate of Bowling Green State University, Armenian spirit and recognize their true identities. young actors again. When she’s not backstage or Devotions. Neal Ryan Shaw is a member of the where she holds a degree in Technical Design working in arts administration, She enjoys practicing Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas and Acting/Directing. Stage Management credits Rebecca Cagney (Wardrobe Supervisor) is bikram yoga, running, and exploring the windy city. and holds an MA from Illinois State University. include Leap Fest 9 (Stage Left), The Boys Next excited to be working at Silk Road Rising for Visit nealryanshaw.com for more information. Door (Metropolis), Dream of a Common Language the first time. Chicago shows include Symmetry (Prologue), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (3B Breaking (On the Spot Theatre), Interrogation

8 9 Artistic by Jamil Khoury, Founding Artistic Director Turkey admits to its past crimes. Turkey is big a genocide play. There is no hope and redemption enough and strong enough and secure enough in genocide, only horror and death. Humanity is to own its own history, both the glory and the found in living and loving and building families. Ruminations shame. All countries should. Turkey will be By sharing the story of three generations of a greater nation for doing so. For just as there Armenians, Dominicans, and Americans, stories are Armenians who do not want their identity of dancers, singers, actors, writers, entrepreneurs, Turks and Kurds. It is important to note that Our strength is our quickness and our distilled through the prism of victimhood, it is bakers, and homemakers, playwright Adriana official representative bodies of the Kurdish brutality. Genghis Khan had millions of also unfair to distill Turkish identity through Sevahn Nichols is sharing her heart. And it people have acknowledged both the Armenian women and children hunted down and killed, the prism of past brutality. Every human tragedy is from the heart that great stories emerge. Genocide as well as Kurdish culpability in produces villains and heroes and it is important deliberately and with a gay heart. History this great human tragedy. The government of that we not diminish or deny the heroism of the These past few years I have had the distinct sees in him only the great founder of States. Turkey, on the other hand, officially denies many Turks and Kurds who resisted this horrific privilege of watching Adriana Sevahn Nichols What the weak Western European civilization that the Armenian Genocide ever occurred onslaught. We need to recognize and honor all evolve as both a storyteller and a truth seeker. and actively prosecutes citizens who demand alleges about me, does not matter. I have given those brave Turkish intellectuals and writers and The proof is in the pudding, as they say, and Turkey’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide. the order—and will have everyone shot who artists and dissidents and ordinary citizens who pudding is sublime! Adriana Sevahn Nichols’ set out to discover her own family’s history, and to utters but one word of criticism—that the aim My father is originally from Syria; we are Syrian at great personal risk have stepped forward and honor their many sacrifices and triumphs. She of this war does not consist in reaching certain Christians. Ottoman Turks also persecuted my declared, “Yes, indeed, there was an Armenian also set out to weave a whole new stitch in the geographical lines, but in the enemies’ physical ancestors, though not nearly to the extent of Genocide.” We need to remember and pay Armenian embroidery by chronicling yesterday the Armenians. Many in today’s global Syrian tribute to the “Turkish Schindlers”: Turks who elimination. Thus, for the time being only in and imagining tomorrow. But if the soul of Night Christian Diaspora trace their exodus from risked life and limb to not only hide and protect the east, I put ready my Death’s Head units, Over Erzinga is Armenian, its spirit is undoubtedly Syria to the discrimination and cruelty suffered Armenians, but to help Armenians escape their with the order to kill without pity or mercy all American, as channeled by an Armenian under Ottoman rule. But my connection to Turkish tormentors. We cannot change the past, men, women, and children of the Polish race Basque Dominican American playwright! I the Armenian Genocide and the Armenian but we can build a new era in Armenian–Turkish believe Night Over Erzinga makes an invaluable or language. Only thus will we gain the living people runs deeper than a shared antagonist. relations, one that is healthy and enterprising. But contribution to our literature and theatre. In its space that we need. Who still talks nowadays Syria opened its lands to tens of thousands of first, we must acknowledge and atone for the past. many threads lies the tapestry that is America. of the extermination of the Armenians? Armenians who fled the Genocide. In fact, Syria, I have traveled to Turkey twice. I have dear Perhaps this is because Night Over Erzinga is and what was later to become Lebanon, helped Turkish friends. In fact, as a tourist and a history ultimately Adriana’s story. And therein we find The above quote is attributed to Adolf Hitler. save the Armenian people from extinction. I am buff, I love Turkey! More so, as a theatre artist its exquisiteness and heart. Adriana understands While some historians insist the quote is authentic deeply proud to be connected to that history. and a theatre producer, I want to work with that in seeking truth one must channel memory and others believe it to be a fabrication, the final Many of those Armenians made Syria their theatre professionals in Turkey. If we believe in and consciousness and knowledge and courage. question it poses, “Who still talks nowadays of the home and remain there to this day. As a Syrian the transformative power of theatre, then let us When the truth is painful, the seeker must extermination of the Armenians?” remains, to this American, I am enormously grateful for the many build a 21st century Ottoman Theatre right in experience the pain, actually feel the pain. Adriana day, tragically relevant. It is estimated that in the contributions that Syria’s Armenian community the heart of Istanbul that serves theatre artists also understands that storytelling transforms period between 1915 and 1923, as the Ottoman has made to Syrian society, to Syria’s cultural and and theatre goers from all the parts of the former truth, enriches truth with passion and creativity, Empire collapsed and Turkish nationalism birthed economic development, and to the rich fabric empire: Armenians, Albanians, Arabs, Assyrians, subjectivity and self. “The truth will set you the modern Republic of Turkey, over one and of Syria’s ethnic and religious mosaic. Although Bosnians, Bulgarians, Circassians, Cypriots, free” is so much more than mere cliché for a half million Armenians were brutally killed Syria today is mired in tragedy and unspeakable Greeks, Gypsies, Jews, Kurds, Romanians, Serbs, Adriana Sevahn Nichols. It is her road map. through systematic campaigns of massacres, violence, the truth remains that Syria has been and of course, Turks! Who better than artists death marches, mass rapes, decapitations, and greatly enriched by its Armenian community. I to build bridges out of grievances? Throw in forced starvation. Over a million additional believe I speak for many Syrians when I express English subtitles and the place would be golden! Armenians were forcibly expelled from their my affection and appreciation for that community. ancestral towns and villages. Over two thirds And it is precisely that desire to evolve, to move of Armenia was annexed to Turkey. But commitment demands more than affection. beyond our inherited pain and inherited enemies I stand in solidarity with the Armenian nation that brings us to Night Over Erzinga. If the According to the World English Dictionary, in demanding that the government of Turkey recorders of catastrophe are its survivors, then genocide is “the policy of deliberately killing a recognize the Genocide. In fact, we want the the orators of survival are their descendants. nationality or ethnic group.” What happened to entire world community to recognize the Genocide may reside in the narrative DNA of the Armenians was genocide. The perpetrators Genocide. Healing and reconciliation between Night Over Erzinga but Night Over Erzinga is not of the Armenian Genocide were primarily ethnic Armenians and Turks can only truly begin once

10 11 By Neal Ryan Shaw its Armenian population, whose Christianity and in the Republic, with over one and a half million in DRAMATURGICAL suspected ties to Russia made them apparent threats. Russia and the rest of the former USSR and close to In order to succeed in establishing and expanding two million in North America. Sizable populations NOTES a purely Turkish nation, the Young Turks needed are also in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Much to take back the control of its Armenian-populated smaller populations are found in South Asia and the territories. The war in Europe was the perfect Far East. No matter where they have settled, Arme- the first state to adopt Christianity—in 301 A.D.—as excuse to drive into Russia, which held lands the nians maintain strong ties to their cultural and ethnic More Than Survivors: its official religion. Indeed, the Church is a major Young Turks desired and which also contained a roots. Armenian Diaspora community organizations aspect of Armenian culture and the most significant Armenia’s People significant Armenian population. While the goal foster relations with other Diaspora groups as well as part of the nation’s identity. Members of other reli- was to deport the Armenians, the Turks began with the homeland, ensuring that the Armenian spirit If anyone knows the least bit about Armenia, that gions and Christian denominations are also represent- by murdering every Armenian soldier serving in will continue to endure for generations to come. bit likely has to do with the tragic genocide com- ed in Armenia, although to a much lesser extent. To- the Turkish Army, thus mitigating the potential mitted by the Ottoman Empire during the First day the Orthodox Armenian Apostolic Church is the resistance. Then, in 1915, the Turks marched their World War. The importance of that event notwith- nation’s official church, although in 1991 the republic Armenian subjects out of its lands and into Syria, Timeline of Armenian History standing, Armenia’s history goes back to ancient, passed the Law on Freedom of Conscience, effectively starving, torturing and killing them along the way. 1st Century B.C.: Tigranes the Great forms pre-Biblical times, back to when its people referred establishing the separation of church and state. to themselves as the “Hayk”, when it became the Prior to World War I, around two million Arme- the first united Armenian Empire. The country’s strong Christian faith has nevertheless first nation to officially adopt Christianity as a nians lived in the Ottoman Empire. Over a million 301: Armenia officially adopts the Christian religion. been a source of contention over the years. Under national religion, and subsequently survived invasion were deported; most of those were systematically the Soviets, the practice of religion was discouraged 5th Century A.D.: Mesrob invents the and conquest time and again. If any one idea can murdered, while many others were simply left to die in favor of atheism. More memorably, Armenians’ 38 character Armenian language. be taken from studying the history of Armenia, it of starvation, dehydration and disease. The genocide Christianity made them second-class citizens in the is the tenacity of its people to persist in the face of resulted in one and a half million Turkish Arme- 1894 to 1896: The Hamidian Massacres eyes of the Ottoman rulers, who were Muslim. numberless adversities, challenges, and threats. nian deaths. Thousands managed to flee to Russia, kill 100,000 to 300,000 Armenians. although this would turn out to be a mistake, as the The Lands of Armenia Language 1909: The Turks in the province of Young Turks would go to war with Russia in 1918 in Adana kill 30,000 Armenians. Although the modern Republic of Armenia is quite Armenian is an Indo-European language that bears order to target the Russian Armenian population. small, historic Armenia enjoyed dominion over Greek, Latin, Persian, Arabic, and Turkish influ- 1913: The Young Turks take conrol This is not to say that the Young Turks got off scot- a region in Eastern Europe ten times the nation’s ences. Its alphabet, which is modeled after Greek of the Ottoman Empire. free, however. In fact, word spread quickly about current size, stretching from between Iran and and Persian characters, contains 38 symbols and was their plan to exterminate its empire’s entire second 1915: The death marches begin, resulting in 1.5 Asia Minor, to between the Transcausasian plains invented by Mesrob, a monk, around 400 A.D. class, with Great Britain, Russia and France officially million Turkish Armenian deaths. The Allied powers and the Mesopotamian plains. A characteristi- The language includes two standardized forms, warning the Turks in 1915 that they would be held accuse the Young Turks of crimes against humanity. cally mountainous land, historic Armenia was also Western and Eastern. Western Armenian survives accountable for their actions. Even so, the horrors where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers begin. 1918: Armenia declares independence. from the Ottoman reign and is mainly spoken in the endured until 1923. While individual members In the first century B.C., Tigranes the Great created Diaspora, whereas Eastern Armenian developed in the of the Young Turks were tried and convicted for 1920: The Treaty of Sevres recognizes Armenia as a united Armenian Empire, only to be conquered Caucasus mountains, and since the genocide has been their crimes, there has been no large-scale efforts an independent state, but Russia soon conquers it. stripped of its Turkish influences. Eastern Armenian by the Roman general Pompey. Later, Rome and toward restitution, nor has the Republic of Turkey 1922: Armenia is incorporated into the Soviet Union. Persia partitioned the Armenian lands between them. is spoken both within Armenia and around the recognized the genocide as having even occurred. 1988: Byzantium then conquered and ruled Armenia, world, and is the de facto language of the Republic. Armenians seek to reunite with Armenia Today and Armenians Abroad the region of Nagorno Karabakh. followed by various Islamic caliphates. Centuries Genocide on, Armenia suffered invasions by the Seljuk Turks, Clearly unable to return to their homes, most of those September 21, 1991: The Republic of Genghis Khan, and the Turkish ruler Timur. Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire were Armenians who survived the genocide sought refuge Armenia gains its full independence. second-class citizens. Protests for equal rights were Beginning around the fifteenth century, the lands of in Western Europe and North America. Most who met with massacre: 100,000 to 300,000 Armenians had remained in Turkey had been forced by their Armenia were controlled by the Ottoman Empire in were murdered by the sultanate between 1894 and the west and the Persian Empire in the east. Rus- Turkish captors to convert to Islam, effectively losing Sources 1896. Turkish-Armenian relations faced another their identities. An Armenian state was founded in sia took over the Persian-controlled territories in the turning point when the Committee of Union and armenian-genocide.org nineteenth century. Yet through all of this turmoil, 1918 under the USSR. In 1988, its citizens requested Progress, colloquially known as the Young Turks, a reunification with the disputed region of Nagorno- Countries and Their Cultures, Vol. I the character of the Armenian people survived. took control of the Ottoman government in 1913. Karabakh and demanded independence. The Republic Europe Since 1914: Encyclopedia of the Age of War and Religion The Young Turks would implement reforms that of Armenia was formed on September 21, 1991. were highly radical, ultra-nationalistic, and unapolo- Reconstruction The Armenian spirit has no doubt endured its many getically xenophobic. Hoping to turn the Ottoman Today roughly nine million Armenians exist, though nationmaster.com hardships thanks to an identity strongly rooted in the Empire into a singularly Turkish nation, the Young this is a conservative estimate; some sources have the Worldmark Encyclopedia of the Nations Christian faith. Armenia has the distinction of being Turks set about the expulsion and extermination of number closer to 10 or 11 million. Three million live

12 13 LETTER FROM the by Malik Gillani and Jamil Khoury CO-FOUNDERS Armenia Throughout History

I should like to see any power of the world the highest artistic caliber that would enrich the Empire of Tigran the Great, 70 B.C. destroy this race, this small tribe of unimport- canon of American theatre. The initiative provides The first Armenian Republic, 1918-1920 a $10,000 commission fee to an American play- ant people, whose wars have all been fought Armenia, 1920-Present and lost, whose structures have crumbled, wright of Middle Eastern descent to write a new play. The emerging play then receives extensive Historic Armenia (Armenian Highland) literature is unread, music is unheard, and development support at all three theatre compa- Wilsonian Armenia (According to the prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, de- nies, culminating in a rolling World Premiere at Treaty of Sèvres, 1920) stroy Armenia. See if you can do it. Send them Golden Thread Productions and Silk Road Rising. into the desert without bread or water. Burn To date, two playwrights have received the Middle their homes and churches. Then see if they RUSSIA East America Distinguished Playwright Award: will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when Adriana Sevahn Nichols for Night Over Erzinga BLACK two of them meet anywhere in the world, SEA and Yussef El Guindi for The Mummy & the Revo- GEORGIA see if they will not create a New Armenia. lution. If any two writers put the distinguished in -William Saroyan, Armenian distinguished playwright, its Adriana and Yussef! American dramatist and author AZERBAIJAN At last, Night Over Erzinga has arrived on our Şebinkarahisar ARMENIA TURKEY stage, and Middle East America has lived up to its Erzinga If silence equals death and storytelling equals promise. Our seat at the table is looking more like CASPIAN life, then that indomitable will to survive a throne! SEA expressed so beautifully by William Saroyan affirms storytellers as a nation’s life givers. The As Proud as Any Two Dads Can Be, Armenian spirit that Saroyan animates, inde- Jamil and Malik structible and regenerating, pays tribute to us all. IRAN

Yes, we are all Armenians! Yes, we all reside along the Silk Road! Yes, we are all storytellers! For it IRAQ was in recognizing man’s shared narratives that SYRIA Silk Road Rising was born. And it was in expe- GO ADRIANA! MEDITERRANEAN riencing how we, as Middle Eastern and Muslim SEA Americans, were being cordoned off from those The Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance narratives that Middle East America: A National (ADAA) has nominated playwright New Plays Initiative was born. If Middle Eastern Adriana Sevahn Nichols as one of three Americans are to have a seat at the table, then the finalists for its Third Biennial William material to build that seat will be our stories. Saroyan Prize for Playwriting Award Map showing the shifting borders of Armenia throughout The initiative emerged out of a tri-coastal partner- for her play Night Over Erzinga. The history. Erzinga and Şebinkarahisar are the home villages ship between San Francisco’s Golden Thread Pro- $10,000 Saroyan grand prize winner will of the characters Ardavazt and Alice, respectively. ductions, New York City’s Lark Play Development be announced at an awards ceremony on Center, and Chicago’s Silk Road Rising. It was Saturday, December 8, 2012, at Califor- designed to encourage and support the develop- nia’s Pasadena Playhouse. ment of Middle Eastern American playwrights writing Middle Eastern American plays, plays of

14 15 Invitation to about Dialogue Silk Road rising

Thank you for attending Night Over Erzinga. We would like to extend this theatrical Mission Get InvolveD experience beyond our stage, and to learn more about your reactions to the play. We invite Silk Road Rising (formerly known as Silk Road with Silk Road RISING you to share your thoughts with us by posting them on our website at www.silkroadrising. Theatre Project) creates live theatre and online org. We also hope that you will discuss the play with your family, friends, and colleagues. videos that tell stories through primarily Asian Donate American and Middle Eastern American lenses. Be a part of the exciting things happening at Here are a few ideas of our own to get you started. In representing communities that intersect and Chicagoland’s only theatre company dedicated overlap, we advance a polycultural worldview. to telling the stories of Asian and Middle Eastern peoples. Your tax-deductible contribution will Night Over Erzinga raises a number of questions about narrative Vision support the production of our main stage season, as well as staged readings, new play commissions, and history. Ava tells Benny that in America “you get to decide Silk Road Rising understands that cultures are what to tell and show the world about who you are.” Alice tells the community outreach, educational programs, inherently linked. We seek the intersection of cul- and more. Check this program for a donation doctor that ”you have to forget who you are to be be free.” tures without denying the specificities of cultures. envelope, visit www.silkroadrising.org, or mail And we strive to create a world that values art over ● In writing about yourself, what would be the focus of your story? ideology and inquiry over dogma. your donation to Silk Road Rising, 680 S. Federal Street, Suite 301, Chicago, IL 60605. Thank you! ● How would you reconcile the past with the present? Artistic Goals Volunteer ● How would you connect with your ancestors or your family’s history? 1. To showcase playwrights of Asian and Middle As a community based arts organization, we look Eastern backgrounds by staging productions to community members in helping us fulfill our and readings of their work. mission. Volunteers provide pro bono professional Night over Erzinga is filed with unspeakable tragedy. Ardavazt asks Alice 2. To commission and develop new plays that services in the areas of graphic design, social “If you cannot let the past die, then what good was it to have survived?” To will enrich the fabric of American storytelling. media marketing, public relations, and event which Alice responds, “what do you know of survival?...You witnessed none 3. To support Artistic Director Jamil Khoury planning, amongst other needs. Contact us today of it.” Obviously, for these characters, survival means different things. in writing and producing online video plays, at [email protected] to learn about current documentaries, and video essays. volunteering opportunities. ● What does survival mean to you? 4. To develop projects that advance civic engage- Lead ● How does one not only survive, but thrive, in the face of such trauma? ment and public discourse. Silk Road Rising’s most active supporters can be found on our Board of Directors, a dynamic group An American Institution We look forward to hearing your thoughts on these questions and of individuals dedicated to sustaining the mission on any others that move you to speak, share, and interact! The Silk Road stretched from Japan to Italy. We’re and goals of this acclaimed young company. extending it to America. Others show their leadership by joining a steering In many respects, Silk Road Rising is a love letter committee or an honorary committee for our to the United States of America. We know that annual fund campaigns and benefit events. If you the work we do and the issues we dramatize can wish to discuss leadership opportunities at SRR, only exist under the protections and guarantees please contact Executive Director Malik Gillani at Contact Administrative Offices of our country’s First Amendment. We also know [email protected]. Silk Road RISING Silk Road Rising that in many nations along the Silk Road today, 680 South Federal Street, Suite 301 our voices would be censored, banned, or worse. Receive Chicago, Illinois 60605 We believe that the work of Silk Road Rising con- Get advance news about SRR’s activities, tributes to making America a better country for us productions and events from our e-newsletter. all: a more inclusive country, a more just country, Tel: 312-857-1234 Send us an email at [email protected] or Fax: 312-577-0849 and a more peace loving country. The United States of America that we strive for is one in which just stop by the Box Office—no spam or selling of [email protected] lists, we promise! http://www.silkroadrising.org peoples of all races and ethnicities, all religions, all genders, and all sexual orientations, regardless of socio-economic status, feel valued and loved.

16 17 company BOARD OF Sponsor MEMBERS DIRECTORS Acknowledgments

Jamil Khoury | Founding Artistic Director Board Officers: General Operations Support provided by: Malik Gillani | Founding Executive Director Jo Anne Davis | President David Henry Hwang | Artistic Ambassador Sheila Chapman | Secretary The Thomas A. Kooyumjian Steve Scott Vijay Murugappan | Artistic Advisor | Treasurer Family Foundation Neal Ryan Shaw | Resident Dramaturg Board Members: Peter J. Storms | Resident Music Composer & Karen Atwood Sound Designer Malik Gillani Kareem Bandealy | Artistic Associate Jamil Khoury Rebecca A. Barrett | Artistic Associate Deanna Nord Carol J. Blanchard | Artistic Associate 2012 Season Sponsor Shirley Soo Lavina Jadhwani | Artistic Associate Lee Keenan | Artistic Associate Alumni Board: This project is partially supported by a And by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, Maria Wagner | Finance Director Laura Meyer | Chair CityArts grant from the City of Chicago a state agency. Jason Pikscher | Technical Director Frank Buttitta | Member Department of Cultural Affairs and Becca McCracken | Casting Director Special Events. Deann Baker | Video & Broadcasting Coordinator Stephen Combs | Video & Broadcasting Coordinator Silk Road RISING Caitlin Duerink | Production Management Intern is a proud member of Yi Ke | Volunteer Coordinator Intern SPECIAL Andrew Skwish | Poster Art Illustrator Darrel Reese | Graphic Designer THANKS Sarah Ibis | Editor To our gracious hosts at the First United To Matt Gorman, for Gala photograhy. Methodist Church at The Chicago Temple Company Volunteers: , To Sydney Gorman, for conducting Santhosh Challa | Internet Marketing Volunteer who exhibit hospitality and generosity towards Armenian community outreach while on her us on a daily basis, and provide us a space in Andrea Lee | Internet Marketing Volunteer summer break! which we can flourish and grow. Gary Roll | Internet Marketing Volunteer To Christina Wong, for creating our To Carlos Murillo, for his support. Yangyang Zong | Civic Reflection Volunteer Armenian community outreach brochures. To Gary Rejebian, Aline DerAlexanian, Richard Goerne | Saints Coordinator To Jan and Aristides Inchaustegui, Alice and Nairee Hagopian, our Armenian angels, Sterling, Adrena Clemmer, Daniella Topol, for being such gracious and enthusiastic Maggie Goschin-Mangassarian of the Ararat Night Over Erzinga. supporters of Eskejian Museum, Pier Carlo Talenti and To Kernig Kekonian and Armenian Dance the 2009 Mark Taper Forum Writer’s Lab, Company of Chicago. Lark Play Development Center, and Golden Thread Productions.

18 19 Linda & Steven Pedlow Patricia & Harp Harper Ophira Benarieh Denise Taylor supporting Jessie M. Pedron Mary Hoffman Sally & Phil Blackwell D. Gray Vogelmann Gilan Saadawi & Khalid Shalaby Anne Jacques & Steve Merle Cornell Boggs Austin Waldron DONATIONS Howard & Lisa Sachs Barbara Jones Monica Borkar Cheryl Yuen & Thomas Chin Scott & Susan Sarran Omar S. Khalil Paul Boulis Silk Road Rising values contributions at every Hedwig Schellbach George & Joanna Khoury Karen A. Callaway $300.00 to $600.00 level; our sincerest thanks to all who support Anne Shimojima M. Kurlander Lisa & Jeff Church James L. Alexander our work! Mrs. Emel Singer Carol & Ryan Lahurd Viki Conner Sandra Bass Michael Robertson Claudia Laupmanis Christina Cravens Steve & Marsha Birchard Corporate, Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, Inc. Erica Danos & Joe Schwartz James Legge Bruce & Laurie Davidson Junaid Butt & Raana Gul Government, and The Siragusa Foundation Teri Somrak, in honor of Kevin McCarter Barbara & John Ekholm Kevin & Ann Cassidy MATCHING GIFTS Donors Surya Fund her birthday Arlene Mehlman Carol & Charles Emmons Anna Cooper-Stanton August 1, 2011 to August 31, 2012 Woods Fund of Chicago Jennifer Tani Ute Menzel Deanna Finley Irene Cualoping, on behalf of Wrigley Company Foundation Kathleen Tobin Patricia R. Naguib Diane & Michael Furuta Angel Island Theatre Company Alphawood Foundation James Venskus Barbara S. Njus Donna Gerber Venu Gupta & Arts Work Fund for Organiza- Vijay Sendhil Revuluri Individual Donors Susan B. Noel Mark Goodmanson tional Development Heidi & Rich Katz August 1, 2011 to August 31, 2012 $51.00 to $100.00 Deanna Nord & Randy Nogel Peg Griffiths & Ron Adams Blue Cross and Blue Shield Christina Adachi Karen & Larry McCracken of Illinois Lee Orchard Joan & Guy Gunzberg $10.00 to $50.00 Geoffrey Anderson Barbara & Michael Murray The Boeing Company Paul Proctor Stephen & Jo Ham Aviva Bauer Monica Badlani David Myers CityArts 3, Chicago Louise Lee Reid Angeline Heisler Lyn Ridgeway Department of Cultural Bill & Vicki Boies Walter E. Bayer, Jr. Patrick Robinson Robert Horton Affairs and Special Events Connie & Leonard Bunuan Bernard & Sherry Beck Vivian Rosenberg John Tofik Karam John Saphir ComEd David Chambers Mardic Crow Bergen Kimberly Ross Sono Fujii & Claudio Katz Jack A. Segal The Henry Crown and Company Mila Cohen Jennie Blecher Sandra & Harold Sabbagh Fadel Khoury Claudette Smith Matching Gift Program Sharon Conway Edward Blumen Natalie Schmitt Aphrodite Kokolis Walter Stearns Field Foundation of Illinois Maureen Eisenberg Consuela Brown Roche Schulfer & Maureen & David Lai Nikki & Fred Stein Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Anna & Moshe Epstein Vic Chao Mary Beth Fisher Andrea Lee Foundation $1000.00 and above Jean Fujiu Geeta Citygirl Steve Scott Amy Lewis IBM International Foundation Kiyoko Fujiu Wheeler Coleman Arpy Seferian Marie McWard & Pat Kapustka Anonymous Illinois Arts Council Nadia Horb Carol & Dan Cyganowski Jerome Seidenfeld & Lois & Robert Moeller Karen & Michael Atwood The Joyce Foundation Jan Lisa Huttner Edward Davis Linda Camras Evemarie Moore Maree G. Bullock & James S. Kemper Foundation Jimmie Alford Jann Ingmire Karen & Mike Deering Aparna Sharma Kristin Patton & John Coleman The Thomas A. Kooyumjian Frank L. Buttitta & Nancy Karen John & Erin Dern Norm Sloan Stephanie Pendexter Family Foundation D. Edwards Buice Catherine Key Dan Dornbrook Ellen Stone-Belic Carol Porter Lake Effect Communications, LLC Sheila J. Chapman & Beverly Kirks Paul Fong Jeff Strazis Barbara A. Quilty Lalwani Foundation David D. Soo Julie Kong Ms. Florence Forshey Tony Toulouse Heena & Sulaiman Roy The John D. and Catherine T. Jo Anne Davis Lorraine A. Kulpa Linda Fuller Valery True MacArthur Foundation Haytham Safi Vijay Murugappan & Gayle & Richard Landuyt Al Gillani Padma Tumuluri MacArthur Fund for Arts and Shabnum & Sunil Sanghvi Nisha Vijay Maria Wagner Culture at Prince Suzenne & James Lenz W. Clark Gilpin Karen E. Smith Shirley A. Soo & Motorola Solutions Foundation Cookie L. Marks Nicholas Gracilla Hermia G. Soo Matthew W. Gorman $101.00 to $300.00 National Endowment for John & Etta McKenna Linda & Norman Groetzinger Sheila & David Soo Joani Tarsitano the Arts Michael Mead Mary Louise Haddad & Carol Allen Shirley Soo & Matt Gorman Polk Bros. Foundation Carol Ng-He Sam Perry Bernadette & Jerry Angelo Greta Suss Sara Lee Foundation J. R. & Jo Ann Paszczyk Steve Hamlin Jamilee & Rainier Bellone Cory Tabachow

20 21 Neighborhood Partners

Sayat Nova 57 E. Ohio Street Chicago, IL 60611 Sayat Nova restaurant is a small and cozy Armenian 312-644-9159 establishment where locals have been flocking for 40 www.sayatnovachicago.com years. Located just steps from Michigan Avenue in the heart of Chicago’s thriving Streeterville neighborhood, Sayat Nova is a romantic family-run enclave tucked back from the city’s urban sprawl. Armenian cuisine presents a slightly earthier variation on typical Mediterranean fare. This is dining the way the Ottoman Empire intended: timeless, authentic, and fiercely delicious. 35 W. Wacker Drive Welcome! Chicago, IL 60601 Catch 35 Chicago 312-346-3500 Chicago’s Oldest Church (b. 1831) is alive with new ideas! www.catch35.com Serving the freshest seafood, steaks and daily specials: the perfect prelude to a great performance. Catch 35 is now fea- “Come and see...” turing the Special Pre-Fixe 3 Course Value Dinner for $29.95. Business or pleasure, lunch or dinner, casual or dressy, join us any time you want a delectable dining experience. Show your Th ere are many key words that describe this congregation. Words like these: electronic ticket confirmation to your server and the price of URBAN. From Day One, we have been in the heart of Chicago. valet parking will be deducted from your guest check. DIVERSE. Our staff is diverse - white and black, female and male, Asian Bella Bacino’s 75 E. Wacker Drive and Caucasian. Our congregation is diverse, like the city itself. Our offi cial Chicago, IL 60601 Statement of Welcome and Inclusion makes it clear that “we welcome and Chef Dan Bacin’s motto is “Give me the Best.” Bacino’s 312-263-2350 encourage all persons, including persons of all sexual orientations and www.bacinos.com provides the best--the best ingredients, the best meals, the gender identities, in every aspect of our Christian life together.” best service, the best dining experience. This quality is what TRADITIONAL and CONTEMPORARY. Our roots are in the makes Chef Bacin one of Chicago’s top chefs. Bacino’s pizza Methodism of John and Charles Wesley, but our traditional services are is always hot, fresh, and fast. Italian food as it was meant to enriched by music from classical, modern, Gospel and jazz sources. be: delicious! INTERFAITH and ECUMENICAL. Each year the Temple hosts an Comfort Suites interfaith Th anksgiving service, bringing together the city’s broad spectrum of faith communities. We encourage you to select the Comfort Suites Michigan 20 N. Michigan Avenue GLOBAL. “Th e world is my parish,” said John Wesley. In that spirit our Avenue, a gorgeous property located in Chicago’s city center, Chicago, IL 60601 312-384-1208 laypeople and clergy have been involved personally in mission projects in steps from the Magnificent Mile, the theater district, fine www.comfortsuites.com such countries as China, Ghana, Haiti and the Philippines. dining restaurants, and all the best Chicago has to offer. The hotel has beautifully appointed oversized suites with some of Philip Blackwell COSMOPOLITAN. Our church hosts the award winning Silk Road Rising, the Chicago Humanities Festival, guest lecturers from National the best views in Chicago. Senior Pastor First United Methodist Church Public Radio, concerts and pre-election debates. System Parking at the Chicago Temple System Parking, on the northeast corner of Washington and Franklin Streets, is the official parking lot sponsor of Silk We invite you to come and see us at the Temple. Road Rising. To receive discounted parking, be sure to ask the 230 W. Washington Street You are more than welcome. box office manager to provide you with a discount coupon. Chicago, IL 60606 312-236-2600 Then, when exiting the parking lot, insert your ticket followed www.abm.com/Services/ by the coupon into the charge machine at the parking lot. You parking/Pages/Parking- will only be charged $6 for your visit. Management.aspx

22 23 SUPPORT arts diversity! VIEW online video plays!

monThly conTribuTions proGram The balancinG arab

Silk Road Rising contributes uniquely to Chicago’s theatre community by focusing on the Asian American and Middle Eastern American experiences. Through becoming a monthly donor, your contribution will support these programs: ►SEEK CiViC ENGaGEMENt Our online arts and civic engagement programs encourage participants to seek new lenses through which to view our ever-changing American landscape. ► EXPLORE oNliNE VidEoS Jamil Khoury’s The Balancing Arab tells the story of Heidi (played by Leslie Our online video plays, documentary films, and video essays provide global Frame), an Irish American personal fitness trainer, and Hanan (played by Amira access to stories and analyses that explore the human condition. Sabbagh), her once morbidly obese Arab American client. Set in a downtown Chicago gym amidst a strenuous training session, the mood turns tense as the two women ► DISCOVER NEw PlaYS recount an event at the Arab American Cultural Center a few nights earlier, an event at which the evening’s political discourse got filtered through decidedly different lenses. Enjoy world and regional premiere productions written by American playwrights of Asian and Middle Eastern backgrounds–and discover our shared humanity.

Visit www.silkroadrising.org Join a select group of dedicated arts supporters by committing to one of the to view The Balancing Arab following monthly contributions program: [Video Length 00:15:00] ►SEEKER: $25/month ►EXPLORER: $50/month ►DISCOVERER: $100/month Sign up on our website at silkroadrising.org/donate or call Executive Director Malik Free to view and easy to share! Gillani at 312-857-1234 x202.

24 25 SUPPORT by example CO-CREATE online!

JusT looK aT These BECOME PART OF JAMIL’S happy people! NEW PLAY-IN-PROGRESS

They are members of our Board and Alumni Board—an amazing group of people who help Silk Road Rising reach new heights.

Is this the sign you’ve been waiting for?

Khurram Mosque Alert tells the story of two suburban Fawzia Have you been wondering why you have a terrific job, a great skill set, a healthy Mozzafar Mirza as American families living in Naperville, Illinois. One as Imam Mustafa Khan bank account, tons of friends, and endless curiosity about our world? It’s not an family’s Christian, the Baker family, and the other Ayesha Khan accident - the universe has been preparing you to serve on the Board of Silk Road Rising! family’s Muslim, the Khan family. The Bakers and the Khans find their lives torn apart by a proposal to Don build a mosque in their community. Justine Let’s be honest: running a nonprofit polycultural theatre company takes more than Bender Serino as as artists - it takes great business people who want to apply their experience to help us Charles Baker Emily Baker grow our company and create sustainable practices. Join Silk Road Rising and playwright Jamil Khoury for this first-of-its-kind, eight step, online, interactive, new play development and civic engagement

Call Executive Director Malik Gillani at 312-857-1234 x202 or email him at malik@ Nicholas process. Be part of creating a brand new piece of Melissa Cimino Kong silkroadrising.org to discuss your interest in helping change the world! as theatre by engaging Jamil and all six of the Mosque as Carl Baker Alert characters. Jennifer Baker

Visit www.silkroadrising.org and click on Mosque Alert under ENGAGE.

Engage with Mosque Alert

26 27 LIVE THEATRE www.silkroadrising.org subscribe Today To 2013 season

The Lake Effect Written by Rajiv Joseph ● Directed by Timothy Douglas April 23 - May 26, 2013 In a depressed Cleveland neighborhood amidst a fierce winter storm, an Indian American brother and sister, long estranged, are reunited by the sudden death of their father. Enter their father’s African American confidante and gambling bookie, and a slew of family secrets get unearthed. The Lake Effect sets in motion a complicated web of relationships and plot twists that challenge our perceptions of race, gender, and material success. Invasion! Written by Jonas Hassen Khemiri ● Directed by Anna Bahow July 30 - September 01, 2013 Invasion! is a tornado of words, images and ideas, all centered around a magical name: Abulkasem. At once hilarious, disturbing and poignant, this deeply subversive play by Jonas Hassen Khemiri deconstructs a “threatening” identity while forcing us to confront the perplexities of our own “safety” zones. PAULUS Written by Motti Lerner ● Directed by Jimmy McDermott November 12 - December 15, 2013 Paulus explores Paulus of Tarsus, the bridger of Christianity from a Jewish sect to a Gentile religion, and his vision to universalize monotheism in the face of strong opposition by the Jewish Establishment, the Jerusalem Church, and the Emperor Nero.

Season subscription is just $99. Flexible Tickets - buy subscription now, choose dates later! Call 312-857-1234 x201 or buy online www.silkroadrising.org