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.