Over the course of rehearsing for The Persian Quarter, some of the very subject matter we've been exploring is unfolding before our eyes.  What happened in Iran in '79 (and almost happened again in 2009) has happened in Tunisia and is happening in Egypt.  Like the Shah of Iran, the heads of both of those countries have been our allies.  But if Egypt's Mubarak is deposed, who fills the void?  Will Egypt become another Iran, lead by militant Islamists every bit as oppressive?  Or could we see the world's first truly democratic Middle Eastern state?  And what will happen to the Egyptian-Israeli peace accord of '79?  I don't know that I'd be asking these questions if it weren't for The Persian Quarter.  Which is a bit sad, really.  I should be as concerned, regardless.  After all, as Mike says, "We're citizens of the world."

Josh Thoemke
Mike & Kermit, TPQ

THE PERSIAN QUARTER plays February 2-27, 2011.  Tickets available online or by calling the Box Office: 801.363.7522.