‘Wish You Were Here‘ is a love letter to Iran, our mothers, what was and what we hope it can be again, now at South Coast Repertory.
South Coast Repertory presents ‘Wish You Were Here’ by Sanaz Toosi, directed by Mina Morita. Cast (lt to rt): Awni Abdi-Bahri (Nazanin), Tara Grammy (Salme), Sahar Bibyan (Rana), Artemis Pebdani (Shideh) and Mitra Jouhari (Zari). Julianne Argyros Stage, January 12 – February 2, 2025
In 1978, editor George Lenczowski wrote in, ‘Iran Under the Pahlavis‘ – “This book is dedicated to the people of Iran whose ancient and unique civilization is experiences in the mid-twentieth century a spectacular resurgence and progress for the benefit of their own and the world at large.” One year late, that all changed, but through the of fight our families and especially the loving struggle of our matriarchs, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and Orange County native, Sanaz Toossi illustrates that dedication to the Iranian people did not die in 1979, but lives on through anyone willing to pick up a pen and continue on the traditions laid before us by the likes Hafez and Jahan Malik Khatun.
In that tradition, South Coast Repertory (SCR), under the leadership of Artistic Director David Ivers and Managing Director Suzanne Appel, presented the West Coast premiere of ‘Wish You Were Here‘, the latest work by Toossi. Directed by Mina Morita, this production is running on the Julianne Argyros Stage.
The timing of ‘Wish You Were Here‘ coincides with the death of former President Jimmy Carter, who, along with the aide of British Prime Minister James Callaghan, betrayed the Shah of Iran leading to the Islamic Revolution, destroying one of the foundational pillars of Western Civilization. Shockingly, when Carter’s name was mentioned during the performance, not a single person booed. It is my belief that audience members were so enamored with the performances, they forgot about the late peanut farmer — I freely admit as an Iranian-Assyrian, my bitterness runs deep.
I digress:
Toossi’s roots in the SCR community go deep—she was a student in SCR’s Youth Conservatory and later went on to study at UC Santa Barbara and New York University. During her time at SCR, she appeared in ‘A Christmas Carol‘ and participated in the Summer Players productions. Toossi also gained experience as an assistant in the Education and Literary Departments, as well as a production assistant for the Pacific Playwrights Festival and an assistant director for Players productions.
South Coast Repertory presents ‘Wish You Were Here’ by Sanaz Toosi, directed by Mina Morita. Cast (lt to rt): Mitra Jouhari (Zari), Tara Grammy (Salme), Awni Abdi-Bahri (Nazanin), Sahar Bibyan (Rana) and Artemis Pebdani (Shideh). Julianne Argyros Stage, January 12 – February 2, 2025
‘Wish You Were Here‘ is set in 1978, amidst the turmoil of the Iranian Revolution. The play follows five close friends as they navigate life, from wedding plans and playful banter to the weighty decisions of whether to stay in Iran or leave. The cast features Awni Abdi-Bahri as Nazanin, Sahar Bibiyan as Rana, Tara Grammy as Salme, Mitra Jouhari as Zari (making her professional stage debut), and Artemis Pebdani as Shideh. The ensemble delivers standout performances, with Abdi-Bahri’s portrayal of Nazanin reminding me of great aunt, who passed away at 106, chosing to stay in Iran despite the upheaval, even stating that if we wanted to see her, we needed to visit. I found Shideh’s character especially relatable, appreciating the her tough exterior tempered by a surprisingly marshmallow soft interior.
Through these personally inspired stories, Toossi explores the complexities of friendship and the changes that time and political upheaval bring, no matter ones religion, as shown on stage. This blend of humor and emotional depth makes for a poignant exploration of chosen family and the uncertainty of life in revolutionary times.
Toossi wrote the play as a heartfelt tribute to her mother, who emigrated to the United States in the 1980s following the Iranian Revolution, like most of my paternal side of the family. ‘Wish You Were Here‘ balances lighthearted moments with themes of loss, offering a nuanced portrayal of the intricate dynamics of friendship.
The only real issue within the play will be figuring out how to transition through the historical timeline taking us from 1978 through 1991, possibly adding a wall calendar as the years go by instead of the lengthening vines in the background, would be a nice indication for those missing that visual detail.
Following the opening night performance of ‘Wish You Were Here‘, I asked the cast the most Iranian question I could, “White Mercedes or Black BMW?” Grammy without hesitation confessed she drives a Black BMW, a standard vehicle amongst Iranian-Americans, just like the bottle of Armani cologne every male is given in the 7th grade and wears throughout eternity.
This production of ‘Wish You Were Here‘ offers a rare opportunity to experience the work of an emerging playwright at the height of her career, offering both a personal and universal narrative that touches on themes of love, loss, and the strength within femininity.
Due to overwhelming audience response, SCR has added a special performance of ‘Wish You Were Here‘ on Sunday, February 2 at 7 p.m.
To purchase tickets for ‘Wish You Were Here‘ at SCR visit: https://www.scr.org/ or call the box office at (714) 708-5555.
South Coast Repertory is located at:
655 Town Center Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92628-2197
Summary
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and Orange County native, Sanaz Toossi takes us on a journey of the Iran that was, what it has become and the hope of all Iranians of what will be, through the relationship of five friends that is a love letter not only to her mother, but all of our mothers with her incredible play, ‘Wish You Were Here‘.
