Masked began performances Off-Broadway July 20 and officially opened Aug. 2, earning mostly positive reviews from both New York and national publications. Upon its closing, Masked will have played 15 previews and 165 regular performances. The award-winning play about three Palestinian brothers "tackles the cultural divide at the heart of the Middle East conflict. Masked depicts the tragedy of one family torn between obligations, kinship, principles and survival. It is the first play by an Israeli playwright about the Intifada (Palestinian uprising)," production notes stated.
Ilan Hatsor's play has been produced continuously across Israel and in over 100 productions worldwide. The Off-Broadway production starred Sanjit DeSilva, Daoud Heidami and Arian Moayed.
Translated by Michael Taub, Masked was directed by Ami Dayan. The creative team included scenic designers Wilson Chin and Aleksandra Maslik, costume designer Jennifer Caprio and lighting designer Thom Weaver.
During its run, Masked featured Urgent Conversations, a talk-back series that took place three times a week. Community leaders, religious leaders, influential writers, journalists, experts in conflict resolution, activists and members of the creative team all took part in the various evenings.
Born and raised in Israel, Ilan Hatsor is a graduate of the Tel Aviv University Theatre Department, where he teaches acting and dramatic writing. His play Masked has won various prizes, including the prestigious Best Play Prize at the Akko Theatre Festival. Other plays by Hatsor include Hey-Rimona, State Controller, Jako, The White Heart, Sacred Task, Poker, The Interrogation, Small Talk and War Over the House.
For further information visit www.MaskedThePlay.com.