Full Breakdown
Exploring Identity and Language in Sanaz Toossi's "English"
4/11/2026, 8:43:09 PM
Overview of the Play
"English," a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama by Sanaz Toossi, is currently being performed at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles. Set in 2008, the play unfolds in an English-language classroom outside Tehran, where a diverse group of Iranian adults prepares for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The narrative centers on their aspirations and the complexities of identity as they navigate the challenges of learning a new language amidst personal and societal upheaval.
Character Dynamics and Themes
The characters in "English" each have distinct motivations tied to their English language learning. Elham (Tala Ashe) seeks a high TOEFL score to pursue medical education in Australia, while Roya (Pooya Mohseni) hopes to reunite with her family in Canada. Omid (Babak Tafti), the most proficient English speaker, faces a U.S. green card interview, and Goli (Ava Lalezarzadeh) desires fluency to connect with American pop culture. The teacher, Marjan (Marjan Neshat), grapples with her own nostalgia for life in England, reflecting a longing for a past that complicates her present.
Elham's character embodies the internal conflict many face: the desire for opportunity versus the pain of leaving one's roots. She expresses frustration with her accent, calling it “a war crime,” highlighting the emotional toll of language barriers and cultural expectations.
Production and Direction
Directed by Knud Adams, "English" features a rotating cube set design by Martha Ginsberg, which allows for dynamic perspectives on the classroom environment. The production has received acclaim for its ability to convey the nuanced experiences of its characters, emphasizing their individuality and shared humanity. The actors employ distinct accents to reflect their characters' language struggles, with fluent English spoken in Persian and stilted accents when speaking English, effectively bridging cultural divides.
Critical Reception and Broader Implications
Critics have noted that while Toossi's play does not delve into the political landscape of Iran, it poignantly illustrates the personal stories behind the headlines. The play resonates in the current context of geopolitical tensions and the portrayal of Iranian lives in Western media. It serves as a reminder of the complexities of identity and the universal quest for understanding and connection.
Official Statements & Responses
Babak Tafti, who plays Omid, emphasized the importance of the play's themes, stating, “The experiences Sanaz writes about are universal. Anyone who's a first-generation kid or an immigrant can understand the struggles these four women and man are going through.” This sentiment reflects the broader relevance of "English" in contemporary discussions about immigration and identity.
What's Next
"English" is scheduled for a limited engagement from April 4 to April 26, 2026, with performances at the Wallis Annenberg Center. The production aims to continue fostering dialogue around the experiences of immigrants and the impact of language on identity.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When she speaks English, she feels like a diminished version of herself.” — Review of "English."
- “The notion of the Iranian “other” falls by the wayside.” — Review of "English."
- “(from left) Ava Lalezarzadeh, Babak Tafti, Marjan Neshat, and Pooya Mohseni The experiences Sanaz writes about are universal.” — Babak Tafti, Actor
Through its exploration of language and identity, "English" invites audiences to reflect on the shared human experience, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers.
