top of page
Feb. 26th - Mar. 23rd, 2025
Dummy in Diaspora
written & performed
by Esho Rasho
U.S. Premiere of...
Dummy in Diaspora
by Esho Rasho
directed by Karina Patel
A One-Man Show
Event Info:
VENUE: Jackalope Theatre in Broadway Armory, 5917 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60660
RUN-TIME: 75 min.
PREVIEWS: Feb. 26th - Mar. 1st, 2025
REGULAR RUN: Mar. 3rd - 23rd, 2025. Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2:00 pm
TICKETS: $15 - 35
Dummy in Diaspora is a coming-of-age solo play written and performed by Esho Rasho about a Middle Eastern American boy, Essa, whose parents are refugees. During its most recent run in the 2024 Edinburgh Festival, The Scotsman in its four-star review said Dummy in Diaspora is “brutally honest” and “chilling.” Essa confesses the experience of growing up in a country that doesn’t have a place for him. He navigates sexuality, the demands of a religion passed onto him from his parents, learning the English language, the fleetingness of youth and a nicotine demon that won't leave him alone. Absurd. Raw. Untold.
An Edinburgh Fringe Critical Hit!
The Team
DIRECTOR – Karina Patel*
Karina Patel (she/her) is a devised theatre artist, director and dramaturg originally from London, United Kingdom. She is currently the new works manager at Jackalope Theatre Company and literary associate at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Patel has developed new and devised work with The Story Theatre, The Understudy Chicago, APIDA Arts, TimeLine Theatre Company, Avalanche Theatre, Token Theatre, 24 Hour Plays and others. She has also served as an assistant director at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Lookingglass Theatre Company, Court Theatre and the Repertory Theatre of St Louis.
PLAYWRIGHT & PERFORMER – Esho Rasho
Esho Rasho (he/him) is a Chicago-based actor and writer. He is a graduate of the BFA in acting program at The Theatre School at DePaul University. His solo play, Dummy in Diaspora, which he wrote and performed, ran at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it received critical acclaim, earning four stars from The Scotsman, Broadway Baby, ThreeWeeks and Culture Fix UK. It was also given an "EXCELLENT SHOW" rating by Fringe Review and listed in a database of the best shows The Scotsman had seen at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He was a part of the 2024 “Criminal Queerness Playwriting Studio” cohort at The National Queer Theatre in New York and has also trained at The Second City Chicago.
PRODUCTION TEAM
To Be Announced
*connotes Jackalope Theatre Company Member
This project is made possible by Season Sponsors Michael and Mona Heath. Learn more about supporting Jackalope.
bottom of page