Pulitzer-Winning 'English' Has L.A. Premiere Amid Iran Tensions

Sanaz Toossi's acclaimed play about an English language class in Iran resonates in new political context.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of shattered glass fragments reflecting dramatic studio lighting, conceptually representing the fractured lives and identities of the Iranian characters in the play 'English'.The shattered glass texture of this editorial illustration evokes the fragmented identities and disrupted lives of the Iranian characters in the play 'English', which explores the universal human experience that transcends political divides.Los Angeles Today

Sanaz Toossi's Pulitzer Prize-winning play 'English' has its Los Angeles premiere at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, set against the backdrop of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The play, which follows a group of Iranian students in an English language prep class, offers a poignant exploration of identity, ambition, and the universal human experience that transcends political divides.

Why it matters

As the U.S. and Iran engage in escalating rhetoric and military action, 'English' provides a timely and humanizing perspective on the lives impacted by geopolitical conflicts. The play reminds audiences of the shared hopes and struggles of people on both sides of the headlines, challenging the dehumanizing effects of war.

The details

Set in 2008 outside of Tehran, 'English' follows a diverse group of Iranian students preparing for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOFL) exam. Each student has their own reasons for wanting to master the language, from pursuing medical education in Australia to reuniting with family in Canada. Their teacher, Marjan, is a nostalgic anglophile who insists the class be conducted entirely in English, much to the frustration of Elham, a fiercely competitive student who feels her identity is diminished when speaking the foreign tongue.

  • The play's L.A. premiere is in 2026, amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran following 'Operation Epic Fury'.
  • The original Broadway production of 'English' received four Tony nominations, including Best Play, in 2024.

The players

Sanaz Toossi

The Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of 'English'.

Marjan Neshat

The actress reprising her Tony-nominated role as the English teacher Marjan.

Tala Ashe

The actress playing the competitive student Elham, also reprising her Tony-nominated performance.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Grief isn't an infinite resource. There's only so much distant suffering anyone can take in. Yet our moral health as a society depends on the recognition of our common humanity.”

— Charles McNulty, Theater Critic

“Mastering English can open doors, but what if you wish you didn't have to walk through them? Elham is angry that she has to leave to pursue her medical dreams. When she speaks English, she feels like a diminished version of herself.”

— Charles McNulty, Theater Critic

What’s next

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts will host a post-show discussion with the cast and creative team of 'English' on April 18, 2026 to further explore the play's themes and relevance in the current geopolitical climate.

The takeaway

In a time of heightened tensions and dehumanizing rhetoric, 'English' offers a powerful antidote by humanizing the lives and experiences of Iranians caught in the crosshairs of global conflict. The play's universal exploration of identity, ambition, and the search for connection transcends political boundaries, reminding audiences of our shared humanity.