November 3–18, 2018

Birthmark

Montreal, arts, interculturels (MAI) Studio
Playwright: Stephen Orlov
Directors: Michelle Soicher and Liz Valdez

Birthmark thematically challenges mainstream depictions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and youth radicalization in Canada. Set primarily in Montreal on the eve of Donald Trump’s incendiary presidency, this mixed-genre play of family drama, political thriller and dark comedy crosses the social and cultural divide between Canada’s Jewish and Palestinian diaspora communities.

Jewish writer David Stein tries desperately to sabotage his son Nelson’s plan to quit McGill and join an ultra-Orthodox Israeli settlement in the West Bank by revealing a family secret about Jamila Hassan, a Palestinian teacher. Jamila’s adopted daughter Karima suddenly disappears from UQAM on a mysterious political mission abroad, provoking a CSIS investigation. Both single parents must reluctantly align to help save each other’s only child from life-or-death scenarios that compel us to ponder the essence of our common humanity.

Cast & Team

Cast

  • Howard Rosenstein
  • Natalie Tannous
  • Patrick Keeler
  • Dalia Charafeddine
  • Stephen Spreekmeester

Creative Team

  • Sabrina Miller – Set and Costume Design
  • Eric Mongerson – Lighting Design
  • Rehan Lalani – Sound Design
  • Elyse Quesnel – Stage Manager
  • Sierra Alarie – Apprentice Stage Manager
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    Read the Reviews

    Teesri Duniya Theatre presents World Premiere of “BIRTHMARK” at the MAI Nov. 3-18, New Play Delivers A Compelling Vision for Peace and Social Justice (Montreal Theatre Hub)

    BWW Review: BIRTHMARK at Montreal, Arts Interculturels — Identity, Power, and Trauma (Broadway World Montreal)

    Stephen Orlov’s powerful examination of radicalization (Westmount Mag)

    Birthmark au MAI (Passion MTL)

    Review Highlights