Penned by Israeli-born playwright Ilan Hatsor, Masked began performances July 20 and officially opened Aug. 2, earning many positive reviews from major New York and national publications. Upon its final performance Dec. 30, Masked will have played 15 previews and 165 regular performances.
"We are very proud that Masked has been the subject of numerous reviews, stories, and high praise from a diverse, esteemed range of media," producer Seth Goldstein offered. "The Masked Talkback Series, Urgent Conversations, presented inspiring dialogues surrounding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict."
Masked is the award-winning play about three Palestinian brothers, which according to press notes, "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)."
Ilan Hatsor's play has been produced continuously across Israel and in over 100 productions worldwide. Sanjit DeSilva, Daoud Heidami and Arian Moayed currently star in the production Off-Broadway.
Translated by Michael Taub, Masked is directed by Ami Dayan. The creative team includes scenic designers Wilson Chin and Aleksandra Maslik, costume designer Jennifer Caprio, and lighting designer Thom Weaver. Masked features Urgent Conversations, a talk back series that takes place three times a week. Community leaders, religious leaders, influential writers, journalists, experts in conflict resolution, activists and members of the creative team take part in the various evenings.
As part of the final Urgent Conversations series, Academy Award winner Olympia Dukakis will take part in a special talkback session following the 4 PM matinee on Dec. 15. Dukakis will discuss with the cast and creative team of Masked their connections to the work, and the creative process that brought the play to life. Dukakis will also share her personal experiences of the creative process, as well as the importance of socially aware art.
Playwright Ilan Hatsor was born and raised in Israel. He 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.
Tickets for Masked, priced $35.50-$55.50, are available through Telecharge (212) 239-6200 or by going to www.Telecharge.com
For further information visit www.MaskedThePlay.com.
