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Presentation: Berkeley Repertory Theatre Talk on Sanaz Toossi's English

Saturday, 4/8/2023
3:00 - 4:15
Learning Studio - 5th Fl
Main Library
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100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

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A docent talk about Sanaz Toossi’s play English, currently playing at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, will be followed by open audience discussion about experiences with new languages and cultures. Attendees do not need to have seen the play in order to enjoy the talk and discussion.

The Berkeley Rep docent will provide context for the play, covering topics that include the playwright, the play's history, Iran at the time of the play, English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and language acquisition and learning. There will also be discussion with the audience about the challenges of learning to speak, think and function in a new language and culture and how this can affect self-concept.

Award-winning playwright Sanaz Toossi makes her Berkeley Rep debut with English, winner of the 2022 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Play. Language and identity intertwine in this incisive, funny, and moving seriocomedy set in a classroom in Iran in 2008, where four adult students are preparing for the Test of English as a Foreign Language. But as they pursue fluency in a language that for them represents access, opportunity and even escape, they find that while English may expand their world, it might also limit their voice.

Berkeley Repertory Theatre – Website


This program honors the diverse cultures, traditions and histories of Southwest Asian and North African heritage.

Attend programming, lectures and workshops intended for the BIPOC community.


This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.


Attending Programs

For questions about the program or help registering, contact sfplcpp@sfpl.orgAll programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL or language interpretation), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.


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The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.