Paradise

By: Laura Maria Censabella

Narrated by: Jeff Marlow, Medalion Rahimi

Yasmeen is a Yemeni-American high school senior with big dreams. Dr. Guy Royston is her science teacher with a mysterious past. When Yasmeen asks Dr. Royston for an important favor, it sets off a series of events that challenges their core beliefs about science, faith, and the nature of love. Includes a conversation with playwright Laura Maria Censabella.

Recorded at The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood in August 2021.

Paradise is part of L.A. Theatre Works’ Relativity Series of science-themed plays. Lead funding for the Relativity Series is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, bridging science and the arts in the modern world.

Directed by Anna Lyse Erikson

Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg

An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast production starring:

Jeff Marlow as Dr. Guy Royston

Medalion Rahimi as Yasmeen al-Hamadi

Senior Producer: Anna Lyse Erikson

Sound Designer and Mixing Engineer: Charles Carroll for The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood

Senior Radio Producer: Ronn Lipkin

Foley Artist: Jeff Gardner

Recording Engineers: Charles Carroll and Neil Wogenson

Editor: Neil Wogenson

This production of Paradise is based on the West Coast premiere at the Odyssey Theatre, produced by JuVee Productions and American Oasis, and directed by Vicangelo

Bulluck in 2019.

Paradise was originally commissioned and developed by The Ensemble Studio Theatre/Alfred P. Sloan Foundation

Science & Technology Project.

©2017 Laura Maria Censabella (P)2021 L.A. Theatre Works

Fantastic Listen

I think plays as audibles can be a tricky navigation - since plays are so dependent on the visual. However, Paradise is such a strong piece of dramatic work that it doesn't sacrifice much in this medium. What is so compelling about Paradise is the complexity of the central relationship. Censabella creates a charged dynamic between these unlikely mentor/mentee characters. Dr. Royston and Yasmeen are very much brought to life by Marlow and Rahimi, despite not being able to see their physical representations on stage. (Potential Spoiler) What hooks the listener, for me, into this narrative is the inner conflict Yasmeen suffers throughout the play. She's conflicted being loyal to her family duty and true to her religion while also wanting to pursue a career and future in science - of which she is a gifted natural student. Ultimately, as these two get to know each other better and become involved in their research, the listener can't help but get invested too. Hard choices have to be made - which leaves the listener empathetic to both of their fates. There is also an incredibly insightful interview with the author at the end of the play portion of this audible. It was so enlightening to hear about the process and inspiration of this dramatic work. It definitely makes you want to listen again with all of that backstory in mind.