The Firehouse Theatre is proud to announce the Virginia Premiere of A Distinct Society, written and directed by acclaimed playwright Kareem Fahmy. With A Distinct Society, Fahmy brings to life a powerful, deeply human story inspired by real events at the Haskell Free Library and Opera House, a unique building that straddles the U.S.-Canada border. This poignant and timely production marks the return of Josh Marin to the Firehouse stage, alongside local talent Grey Garrett. The cast is completed by Firehouse newcomers Maboud Ebrahimzadeh, Auveen Dezgaran, and JD Lawrence. New to the Firehouse stage we welcome Maboud Ebrahimzadeh, Auveen Dezgaran, and JD Lawrence. A Distinct Society opens on Friday November 14th, 2025 on the Carol Piersol Stage at Firehouse Theatre, 1609 West Broad Street. A Distinct Society will have two Pay-What-You-Will preview performances on Wednesday, November 12th and
Thursday, November 13th and will run through Sunday, November 30th, 2025. Nothing much ever happens in a quiet library that straddles the U.S.-Canada border… until now. When an Iranian father and daughter separated by the “Muslim ban” begin using the library as their only meeting place, five seemingly disconnected lives become deeply entwined. A French-Canadian librarian, a U.S. border patrol agent, a curious local teenager, and the separated family find their routines upended by compassion, conflict, and connection. Inspired by true events, A Distinct Society is a touching and funny play about the things that divide and unite us: family, food, art, love, and politics.
A Canadian-born, NYC-based theatre director, playwright, and screenwriter, Kareem Fahmy’s work has been seen at theatres across the U.S. and Canada. He has received commissions from Audible, Colt Coeur, Artists Repertory Theatre, Ensemble Studio Theatre/Sloan, and is the inaugural recipient of The Next Forever Commission from The Civilians & Princeton University, winner of the Woodward/Newman Playwriting Award, longlisted for the Bruntwood Prize and recipient of MacDowell, Yaddo, and Sundance Fellowships. He co-founded the Middle Eastern American Writers Lab, created the BIPOC Director Database, and was named a Rising Leader of Color by Theatre Communications Group.
The design team includes costume designer Amber Marie Martinez, sound designer Mark Van Hare, and props designer Tim Moehring, with scenic design by James Ogden and lighting design by Gretta Daughtrey. Erica Hughes joins as dialect coach with Angelica Burgos as choreographer. Assistant to the director will be Kelsey Cordrey and Grace Brown Labelle will stage manage.
Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at (804) 355-2001 and are available online at www.firehousetheatre.org. Tickets cost $35. A 15% discount is available to active duty military and veterans. $15 tickets available for college and high school students! Pay-What-You-Will performances will be offered for both preview performances, as well as all matinees (excluding closing, November 30th).
Production Team
Direction: Kareem Fahmy**
Asst. Direction: Kelsey Cordrey
Dialect Coach: Erica Hughes
Choreographer: Angelica Burgos
Scenic Design: James Ogden
Sound Design: Mark Van Hare
Lighting Design: Gretta Daughtrey
Costume Design: Amber Marie Martinez
Props Design: Tim Moehring
Playwright: Kareem Fahmy**
Stage Management: Grace Brown Labelle
Asst. Stage Management: Keegan Ferrell
CAST
Peyman Gilani: Maboud Ebrahimzadeh*
Manon Desjardins: Grey Garrett
Declan Sheehan: JD Lawrence
Bruce Laird: Josh Marin*
Shirin Gilani: Auveen Dezgaran
Peyman understudy: Mahlon Raoufi
Manon understudy: Deanna Giersmann
Declan understudy: Hunter Keck
Bruce understudy: Issac Watson
Shirin understudy: Rachel Weatherby
*Actors’ Equity Association
**Stage Directors and Choreographers Society
ABOUT FIREHOUSE
The Firehouse Theatre is a thriving hub of creative activity and a center for community engagement where new work takes center stage. Firehouse strives to amplify the diverse voice of the New American Theatre and advance artform and industry through innovative artistic and organizational practices.
