Chicago Tribune
- Recommended
"...Michael Shayan must be among the funniest advocates for Iran and the language of Farsi that nation ever produced. At least that's the takeaway from "Avaaz," this flamboyant performer's joyful solo show in which his shimmering alter ego Roya ("the Persian mother you never had") celebrates Nowruz, or Iranian New Year, and claims that the country of her birth invented "algebra, human rights, chess and religion," even if the president believes that "gays don't exist.""
Chicago Sun Times
- Recommended
"...Still, this is a very enjoyable show, filled with humor even when it gets serious, and deeply expressive of Iranian culture, American culture, and the hybrid that happens in our great nation of immigrants."
Chicago Reader
- Recommended
"...Some of the narrative feels a little pat, but Shayan's charisma and ability to bring the audience into this story (if you sit near the front, you may be talking to Roya one-on-one) wins us over handily and makes us all feel a part of Roya's loving world. Explaining the importance of the Iranian custom of taarof (a back-and-forth of pleasantries and deference), Roya says, "We turn each other into kings and queens. If we don't, who will?""
Chicago Stage and Screen
- Highly Recommended
"...Michael Shayan’s colorful solo show Avaaz in the intimate Upstairs Studio Theatre is where the Emmy award winning writer and actor plays his mother Roya awaiting his arrival perhaps? to celebrate Nowruz, the Iranian New Year and celebration of spring, The show is at once an education in Persian culture, a celebration of tradition, and a rich reflection on the joy and pain of family."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews
- Highly Recommended
"...In Farsi, "Avaaz" translates to "voice" or "song," embodying the spirit of expression as it is sung. Playwright Michael Shayan delivers a powerful performance that gives a voice to his mother, himself, and those embracing an alternative lifestyle, celebrating the richness of diverse narratives. Avaaz is one of the best one-person performances you will ever see."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...The show is 90 minutes of learning and laughing. I will tell you not to come late, as a late arrival might just have you playing a part that you are not prepared to play. This is a show about change. Change in one's life and adjustments that come with the same. It is also about acceptance- of who you were and who you are about to become. Most of us are unknowing as to customs and traditions of other cultures. Many of us are only familiar with the fighting and battles that the United States has been involved in with Iran and its powers. This story will open your eyes to the real people, not the war-mongers, and in a comical way, show that despite being very different, we are in many ways the same."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Highly Recommended
"...Avaaz isn’t the leading character in this new production. It is, however, the theme of Michael Shayan’s one-person play that’s making its Chicago debut as part of a National Tour. Avaaz means “Voice,” not only in Farsi but in several other Middle Eastern, European and Asian languages. Farsi is, of course, the official language of Iran, the homeland of Michael Shayan."
Buzz Center Stage
- Highly Recommended
"...One of the things I have always enjoyed and admired most about Chicago Shakespeare Theatre is their willingness to bring fresh ways to experience Shakespeare's classic works as well as bringing new works and voices to the stage. Avaaz, which opened on Jan. 24, is no exception. And we are the better for it."
The Fourth Walsh
- Highly Recommended
"...AVAAZ is Farsi for 'voice.' This show definitely gives voice and builds depth and understanding to a culture often misconstrued by negative stories in the media. Shayan's national tour with this Chicago debut is an opportunity to reach across the table, the aisle, and the ocean to learn about real people with identities anchored in centuries of tradition. And the life lesson is spoon-fed to us by a gracious and boisterous hostess."
MaraTapp.org
- Highly Recommended
"...Michael Shayan succeeds. Avaaz, his one-man show, is an homage to his mother, whose story this is. It paints a complicated picture of her life in Iran and Los Angeles or, as she and her Harvard-trained son call it, "Tehran-geles." Shayan's hook is Nowruz, the Persian new year, and Roya, a Jewish mother worthy of that stereotypical title, has prepared her table for the first night."
