A Song Being Sung

Avaaz

Avaaz isn’t the leading character in this new production. It is, however, the theme of Michael Shayan’s one-person play that’s making its Chicago debut as part of a National Tour. Avaaz means “Voice,” not only in Farsi but in several other Middle Eastern, European and Asian languages. Farsi is, of course, the official language of Iran, the homeland of Michael Shayan. In Farsi, Avaaz also means “a song being sung,” which is the feeling the audience experiences during this often funny, sometimes heartbreaking, one-act. AVAAZ is not simply an autobiographical play. It’s a presentation that represents a great many ideas. 

Portraying a character named Roya, Mr. Shayan is able share his own personal experiences while maintaining an artistic distance and a fictional disconnect. There are, however, many moments when Michael Shayan drops his character and the story truly becomes his own and more intimate. Roya’s saga paints a colorful and detailed picture of the kind of trials and tribulations encountered by every immigrant who comes to this country. In addition, Avaaz is also the name adopted by the world’s largest and most powerful online activist network, a site that deals with such causes as climate change, political corruption, animal rights, poverty and—perhaps most importantly—human integrity. Michael Shayan, as Roya, shares the story of how, as a young, gay, Iranian-Jewish man, he struggled to reclaim his dignity as a human being. This fascinating presentation is a personal song sung about an individual who worked hard to achieve the freedoms of living in America.

Talented Broadway Director Moritz Von Stuelpnagel (JUDGMENT DAY, starring Jason Alexander, at Chicago Shakespeare Theater) often allows and encourages Mr. Shayan to break the fourth wall and speak directly to his audience. In staging the show this way, theatergoers are drawn into the narrative and the actor’s story feels much more intimate. The storytelling becomes more of a conversation than a performance piece. He also guides the show at a lightning pace so that its 90-minute running time feels shorter. Costumed in grand style and taste by Joshua “Domino” Schwartz, Mr. Shayan glides through the evening clad in designer glasses and a dazzling and flowing gold and black caftan, belted at the waist, and covering a sparkling black shirt-and-pant ensemble.

As the show begins, Michael Shayan joyfully greets theatergoers up close and personally, while ecstatically dancing down the aisle of the theatre. As Roya, we are welcomed to her lavish celebration of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. The production is brilliantly illuminated by Lighting Designer Amith Chandrashaker and features more than a half dozen crystal chandeliers suspended above the stage. The beautiful Scenic Design by Tony Award-winner Beowulf Boritt (who also designed the set for JUDGMENT DAY) is dominated by an elegant and sumptuous vast array of food. Roya explains that each item from the banquet is a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the coming year. But while Roya prepares her dinner, for the audience the real banquet is her life story.

 The saga being told is a soulful tribute to Roya’s parents, especially her mother, and to Michael, her now-grownup son (quite possibly the actor/writer himself). Throughout the evening we learn a little Iranian history, a few Persian customs and traditions, as well as a number of Farsi words and phrases. Mr. Shayan also paints a vivid portrait of La La Land, where he now resides, having bid a fond farewell to Tehran and a hearty hello to Tehran-geles, as he calls his new home. A masterful raconteur, Shayan’s narration bubbles with humor and laughter, but, every so often shifts gears to a poignant picture of one person’s determination and survival. 

Called “a rising star in comedy” by NBC, writer and actor Michael Shayan was recently profiled in the LA Times and was named among OUT100’s “most impactful and influential LGBTQ+ people” by Out Magazine. Mr. Shayan’s many works have been produced all over this country and his latest play, CRUISING, will premiere later this year. This glorious, laugh-filled presentation by Emmy-nominated, Harvard-trained and Iranian-born Michael Shayan is an absolute delight. AVAAZ is a fabulous song being sung for Windy City theatergoers, and the perfect entertainment to heat up our cold Chicago Winter nights and days. Do not miss it! 

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented January 21-February 9 by Chicago Shakespeare Theatre in the Upstairs Studio.

Tickets are available in person at the Goodman box office, by calling 312-443-3800 or by going to www.GoodmanTheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.