Death of the Persian Prince
This new play about sexual status and cultural identity follows a gay Iranian man who underwent sex reassignment surgery in order to avoid execution, and now lives in New York City as a woman.
... Read moreSamantha has emigrated from Iran following her reassignment surgery. She moves to New York City and establishes a five-month relationship with an American man who served in the Middle East, and continues to carry a mixture of guilt and rage from his deployment there. When an unexpected visitor from Samantha's homeland arrives on her doorstep one night, the story takes an unexpected turn, leading to a stunning ending that proves nothing is as it seems. 'Death of a Persian Prince' explores important issues of gender, cultural identity, and commitment.
- Official Site
- View Trailer
- 55 minutes
- Already closed
- Duo Multicultural Arts Center (DMAC) (East Village)
Cast & Creatives (6)
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Reviews (25)
3 Critics' Reviews
for a previous production "It is when Cas leaves and Samantha and James face each other in the brilliance of full transparency and honesty that Mr. Moss’ play grabs the psyche and soul of the audience and does not let go until the cathartic ending. Under Dewey Moss’ exacting and meticulous direction, 'Death of the Persian Prince' remains one of the most riveting and life-altering plays in the current canon of LGBTQ theatre." Full Review
for a previous production "Occasionally a real gem will appear among the simulated jewels. One such gem is 'Death of the Persian Prince,' a play of substance and heart that deserves recognition and the opportunity to be more widely seen...The playwright does not allow for a fanciful and romantic ending to break the honesty of this compelling story." Full Review
for a previous production "An intimate, focused play...While the first half can drag a bit, it turns out to be vital exposition for the play’s true conflict and drama that dominates the second half...This is an important play that draws attention to an incredibly marginalized and oppressed community, and it is valuable for its enlightenment and education alone. It’s also a stirring call to action." Full Review
22 Members' Reviews
See it if you're interested in learning about Iranian customs when dealing with gay men. If you want to see great acting in a believable storyline.
Don't see it if you don't want to think and be engaged fully. There was a little too much crying and shouting for my taste but it was good nonetheless.
See it if you want an intense theater experience that exposes the outrageous treatment of gays in Iran that you probably didn't know about and should.
Don't see it if you don't care about gender and cultural issues or if you're looking for a light, frothy play
See it if This is a riveting and superbly acted drama. At the end the actors were still trying to recover from the pure raw emotions they projected!
Don't see it if You like light entertainment.
See it if You are interested in understanding the battles that occur within families from another background, because if choices made by individuals.
Don't see it if You have a problem within open dialogue about issues plaguing our society
See it if you wanna see a great play based on reality.
Don't see it if you're close-minded and boring.
See it if you love seeing great acting while important cultural issues hit heavy and pull at your heart. Most important play I've seen in years!
Don't see it if You are expecting something warm and fuzzy. This isn't your "let's go out and celebrate song and dance" kinda play.
See it if You believe in the power of live theatre and want to witness a work that keeps you on the edge of your seat and leaves you craving for more.
Don't see it if Faint of heart.
See it if you love great art.
Don't see it if you have bad taste.
See it if you have a brain
Don't see it if you're an asshole
See it if you want your idea of normalcy challenged, and to look at what cultural values versus cultural prejudices can look like at home and abroad.
Don't see it if you're looking for a fun, cheerful night out. It's not that kind of play!
See it if you have an interest in the human condition
Don't see it if you can't handle the truth
See it if I absolutely loved the show. It doesn't matter what your background is, you'll find something to relate to in this show.
Don't see it if You don't want to see theater at its best.
See it if Engaging subject matter highlighting the personal torment of the LGBT community in Iran
Don't see it if no comment
See it if you are ready to take your heartbeat to its maximum amplification. Its going to hit you hard at the gut level at the most unexpected moment.
Don't see it if well, you will miss out on a very special story if you don't see it.
See it if you want to see an important play addressing an important human rights violation.
Don't see it if you don't want to be moved by a great new work of art.
See it if You love compelling theatre.
Don't see it if Just see it. Not seeing it would be dumb.
See it if you like explorations into the human condition through a socially poignant perspective.
Don't see it if you are not willing to be open minded and allow yourself to be moved in a way you didn't think possible.
See it if You care about broadening your knowledge about other nationalities and people. If you are a veteran.
Don't see it if You don't care about anyone and America is always right.
See it if you want to be moved by an incredible piece of Broadway-quality theater that will make you think. Stunning play with stunning acting.
Don't see it if can't think of any reason not to see this. Just saw it last night, and its one of the best things we've seen in a long time.
See it if You enjoy being engrossed in an intense story and great acting that will demand continued dialogue when the show is over.
Don't see it if You only enjoy happy plays that don't address serious topics/sad realities that still exist in our world today.
See it if you want to experience remarkable brilliant writing, acting, and staging that tackles an important and timely topic.
Don't see it if There is no reason NOT to see this play!
See it if you want to see a really smart show that is also incredibly emotionally engaging!
Don't see it if you don't want to feel anything!