Sanaz Toossi’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, English, has finally arrived on Broadway at the Roundabout Theatre Company’s Todd Haimes Theatre, captivating audiences with its poignant storytelling and cultural depth. Directed by Knud Adams, the production takes viewers on a journey through the complexities of language, identity, and the pursuit of dreams.
Originally written as Toossi’s graduate thesis in response to the 2017 travel ban by Donald Trump, English is set in a 2008 Iranian classroom, where students are preparing for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Each character in the play has unique aspirations—Elham dreams of medical school in Australia, Roya considers moving to Canada, Goli is exploring college options, and Omid is preparing for a green card interview. Meanwhile, their teacher, Marjan, carries the bittersweet memories of her time living in the UK, a reminder of what she left behind.
The play resonates deeply with anyone who has ever struggled with the challenges of learning a new language and the emotional complexities that come with it.
The Story Behind English
Set entirely in a classroom, English offers a touching and often humorous look at the lives of five Iranians learning English in hopes of a better future. The play explores how language can serve as both a bridge and a barrier—opening doors to new opportunities while simultaneously creating feelings of displacement and loss.
Each character’s relationship with the English language reflects their internal struggles and ambitions:
- Elham, a determined and fiercely independent woman, struggles with the pressure to perfect her English for medical school abroad.
- Roya, a soft-spoken mother, faces the dilemma of leaving her son behind if she moves to Canada.
- Omid, a confident and charming student, enjoys practicing his language skills through English movies, but he harbors a personal secret.
- Goli, the youngest and most enthusiastic of the group, embodies the hope and innocence of a dreamer.
- Marjan, the teacher, enforces an “English-only” rule in class, subtly revealing her personal struggles with identity and belonging.
Through witty dialogue and deeply relatable moments, English portrays the immigrant experience with authenticity and heart.
Themes That Resonate Globally
One of the strongest elements of English is its exploration of universal themes:
- The Power of Language: Language is more than just words—it shapes how we see ourselves and how the world perceives us. The play highlights the emotional toll of trying to fit into a new culture through language.
- Cultural Identity vs. Assimilation: The characters wrestle with balancing their Iranian heritage with their aspirations for a future in English-speaking countries.
- Hope and Sacrifice: Each character must make difficult choices to pursue their dreams, often at the cost of their relationships and sense of self.
Critics have praised English for its ability to seamlessly weave humor with thought-provoking social commentary, making it one of the most compelling theatrical experiences of the year.
Sanaz Toossi: A Rising Star in Theatre
Sanaz Toossi, an Iranian-American playwright from California, has made waves in the theater world with English, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2023. Her other work, Wish You Were Here, explores similar themes of identity and displacement through the lens of female friendships. Toossi’s writing is known for its sharp wit, emotional depth, and ability to shed light on the immigrant experience with nuance and authenticity.
She has ongoing commissions with major theater companies, including the Atlantic Theater Company, Manhattan Theatre Club, and South Coast Repertory, further cementing her place as a rising star in American theater.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reactions
Since its Broadway debut, English has received widespread critical acclaim. Audiences have praised the play’s heartfelt storytelling, relatable characters, and its thought-provoking commentary on language and identity.
The Chicago Tribune called it “a brilliant portrayal of the immigrant experience,” while other critics have hailed it as “funny, moving, and deeply human.”
The Broadway production stays true to its off-Broadway roots, maintaining an intimate atmosphere that allows the audience to connect deeply with the characters’ struggles and triumphs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About English
1. What is the central theme of English?
The play explores the intersection of language and identity, focusing on Iranian students preparing for the TOEFL exam and the personal struggles they face in learning English.
2. Who is Sanaz Toossi?
Sanaz Toossi is an Iranian-American playwright, known for English and Wish You Were Here. She won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2023.
3. When and where did English premiere?
English premiered off-Broadway at the Atlantic Theater Company in 2022 and made its Broadway debut in January 2025 at the Todd Haimes Theatre.
4. What are the characters’ motivations in the play?
Each character has a different reason for learning English—Elham dreams of medical school in Australia, Roya considers moving to Canada, and Omid is preparing for his green card interview in the U.S.
5. How has English been received by audiences and critics?
The play has been met with critical acclaim, praised for its balance of humor and deep emotional resonance, making it one of the most talked-about plays of the year.
English is more than just a play about learning a language—it’s a moving exploration of the immigrant experience, the sacrifices people make for their dreams, and the power of human connection. Whether you’re an immigrant, a language learner, or simply someone who appreciates thought-provoking theater, English is a must-see production that will stay with you long after the final curtain falls.
Sources The New York Times
