SCHEHERAZADE centers collaborators of Middle Eastern descent, using the Arabian Nights stories as a basis for exploring Islamophobia, terrorism, detention, and the “Muslim Ban?.” In an international airport in “The States,” Scheherazade must tell stories to save her life. Interweaving queer love stories in the context of xenophobia, diaspora and fundamentalism, SCHEHERAZADE asks: what are the stories that take us home? Three weeks only at The VORTEX.

Directed by kt shorb

Featuring: Donnesh Amrollah, Laura Baggs, Cyrus Bavarian, Carine Choubassi, Lemons Clemons, Shiva Jabarnia, Olivia Jiminez, Laura J. Khalil, Aisha Melhem, Tonya Pennie, Saray Rosales, and Jesus Valles. 

Script by Annie Kim Hedrick and Leena Waarsi and ensemble

Lighting Design by Rachel Atkinson

Costume Design by E.L. Hohn

Scenic Design by Ann Marie Gordon

Stage Management by Zoë Crabtree

Assistant Stage Management by Jana Zek

Associate Production by Laura J. Khalil and Lemons Clemons

The Generic Ensemble Company (GenEnCo) makes the invisible visible through bold, socially relevant, body-centered theatre. www.genenco.org. GenEnCo’s The Mikado: Reclaimed was nominated for two B. Iden Payne Awards, receiving the Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role (Musical Theatre).

kt shorb’s directorial work has won a FronteraFest “Best of Fest,” and been shown at the Menil Collection, the Pulitzer Foundation and in many venues across Texas. She is an invited member of the National Institute for Directing & Ensemble Creation.

“…As profound as it is heartrending.”

–Orange Magazine on Generic Ensemble Company’s The Mikado: Reclaimed

“…Ambitious, timely, and vitally important…”

—Austin American-Statesman on Generic Ensemble Company’s Robin Hood: An Elegy

“I love what kt shorb does and how she does it, both onstage and off. Whatever she is up to is not to be missed.” 

–Anne Bogart, Artistic Director – SITI Company

The VORTEX conjures and navigates the storm of imagination with urgent, unashamed art that dares to dream the world in which we want to live. This magic emanates from our cultural harbor, embraces diverse communities, breaks down barriers, and opens channels for vital exchange.

SCHEHERAZADE is funded in part VORTEX Repertory Company, by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.