Jackalope Theatre Company's 17th season will feature the US premiere of the highly acclaimed play ‘Dummy in Diaspora’. It will run from Feb.26 to Mar.23, 2025, at Broadway Armory Park in Chicago.
Written and performed by Esho Rasho, the solo play is directed by Karina Patel, a London-born Gujrati and the new works manager at Jackalope Theatre Company.
A coming-of-age story about Essa, a Middle Eastern American boy navigating his identity in a world that doesn't quite understand him, ‘Dummy in Diaspora’ explores themes of religion, sexuality, language, and youth. The play has already earned rave reviews during its 2024 run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, with The Scotsman praising it as “brutally honest” and “chilling.”
Patel, a devised theatre artist, director, and dramaturg, has an extensive background in theatre, having worked with companies such as Steppenwolf Theatre and Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Her directorial vision for ‘Dummy in Diaspora’ brings Rasho’s raw and powerful performance to life, making it a must-see in this year’s season lineup.
Rasho, who also performs the role of Essa, is a graduate of DePaul University's Theatre School and was part of the 2024 “Criminal Queerness Playwriting Studio” cohort at The National Queer Theatre in New York. His solo play was a standout at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, earning four-star reviews from multiple outlets and being recognized among the festival's best shows.
‘Dummy in Diaspora’ promises an unforgettable experience, offering a raw and unapologetic exploration of identity, migration, and the complexities of growing up in a society that often feels alienating.
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