Even in the quietest places, life can echo with excitement and profound significance. Enter a world of passion and compassion in A Distinct Society, a gripping dramatic comedy by Kareem Fahmy coming to The Human Race Theatre Company in February.
In the tranquil hush of a library that straddles the U.S. – Canada border, life is about to change. When an Iranian father and daughter, separated by the international border, start using the library as a meeting place, the French-Canadian librarian, an American customs agent, and a local teenager find their quiet lives suddenly full of excitement and consequence. Inspired by true events, A Distinct Society is a touching and thought-provoking new play about the many things – family, food, art, love, and politics – that can either divide or unite us.
“A Distinct Society is a deeply personal play, set a stone’s throw from my hometown, and I’m thrilled to be inviting audiences to my little corner of southeastern Quebec,” writes playwright Kareem Fahmy. “Kareem’s play provides an extraordinary human perspective on an issue that is often addressed in dehumanizing ways,” adds Emily N. Wells, Artistic Director of The Human Race Theatre Company.
Brant Russell, head of the University of Cincinnati – College-Conservatory of Music Acting program, directs the five person cast: Rico Romalus Parker as Bruce (Reindeer Sessions), Kelly Mengelkoch (Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, Apt 2B) as Manon, Cooper Schairbaum as Declan, James Rana (The Kite Runner tour) as Peyman, and Kylie Flick as Shirin.
The full production team: Mark Halpin, Scenic Design; Darin Keesing, Lighting Design; Cat Schmeal-Swope, Costume Design; Jay Brunner, Sound Design; Sarah Gomes, Props; Erin Joy Swank, Production Stage Manager; Danitza Piper, Assistant Stage Manager; Gina Cerimele-Mechley, Fight & Intimacy Director; Ana Bayat and Deborah Thomas, Dialect Coaches; Samaneh Faramarzi, Cultural Consultant.
A DISTINCT SOCIETY will play in the Loft Theatre in downtown Dayton, February 5-16, 2025. Tickets are on sale through the Dayton Live box office, 937-228-3630, or online at www.humanracetheatre.org For press ticket requests, please contact Tiffany Countryman, Engagement and Learning Coordinator at tiffany@humanracetheatre.org
The Human Race Theatre Company continues its commitment to high quality theatre with access points for all with two special ticket initiatives: two sections of $20 seats available at any time through the box office, and ten $10 rush seats available 90 minutes before any performance.
Special Nights at The Loft:
- Pay What You CAN – Tuesday, February 4, 2025 7:30 pm
- Inside Track – Thursday, February 6, 2025 6:45 pm – Pre-show Discussion
- While We’re On The Subject – Sunday, February 9, 2025 2 pm – Post Show Discussion with Welcome Dayton
- Industry Night/ Sawbuck – Sunday, February 9, 2025 7:30 pm – $10 tickets available at 6:00 pm
- While We’re On The Subject – Sunday, February 16, 2025 2 pm – Post Show Discussion
- Parent’s Day Out – Sunday, February 16, 2025 2 pm – Kids Separate Activities (5-12yo)
The Human Race expresses gratitude for the public and private support which makes these productions possible: Loft Season Sponsor: Jack W. and Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation. Production Sponsor: Merle Wilberding & Susan Elliott. Sustainability sponsors: Anne F. Johnson, Steve and Lou Mason, The Toulmin Fund at The Dayton Foundation. Additional Season support: Erma R. Catterton Trust, Funds at The Dayton Foundation, Virginia F. Kettering Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, Sam Levin Foundation, and Morris Furniture Company. Organizational support: Culture Works, Montgomery County, Ohio Arts Council. Media Sponsor: WDPR Discover Classical. Pay What You Can Sponsor: Enterprise Holdings Foundation. Parent’s Day Out: Rabbit Hole Books/Dayton Book Fair. Capital Support: The Scheiwetz Foundation, The Dayton Foundation, The Toulmin Fund at the The Dayton Foundation.
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