Join us tomorrow with special guest Dr. Ziad Adwan, a theater artist and author, as he talks about “Syrian Theatre Institutions and Enmity." Adwan is known for  multiple insights into the nature of theatre that he derives by exploring the idea of "mistakes." The mistakes he looks at might be made by the actors, but producers, directors, even audience members are salient to the question. Mistakes, integral to the theatrical experience, can lead to unexpected discoveries and improvisations that enrich the performance, as well. His play, "Please Repeat After Me" follows on these concepts by looking at testimonies of Syrian refugees and what they mean. The play raises various themes including the portrayal of identity, theatrical tradition, audience engagement, and cultural power imbalances. It explores the complexities of decision-making, error, and societal labeling. The play simulates 'genuine' narratives of actual events recounted by refugees, blurring the lines between reality and myth, prompting questions about the authenticity of the entire representation. In his presentation tomorrow, he will explore the development of oppositional stances within Syrian theater, examining the factors contributing to a persistent sense of enmity between theater makers and institutions in a conservative, socialist totalitarian regime, highlighting the role of censorship and the alignment of theater with both the ruling regime and intellectual elites. The event tomorrow is co-sponsored by the Department of Near Eastern and South Asian Languages and Cultures and the Office of International Affairs. Special thanks to Professor Johanna Sellman for organizing this unique opportunity to learn about Syrian theatre and gain unique insights into theatre globally.