Firehouse Theatre will stage the Virginia premiere of “A Distinct Society,” a play written and directed by acclaimed playwright Kareem Fahmy, opening Nov. 14 on the Carol Piersol Stage at 1609 W. Broad St.

Inspired by real events at the Haskell Free Library and Opera House — a building that straddles the U.S.-Canada border — “A Distinct Society” tells the story of five people whose lives intersect when an Iranian father and daughter, separated by the federal “Muslim ban,” use the library as their only meeting place. The production explores themes of family, politics and compassion with touches of humor and humanity. 

The cast includes Josh Marin, returning to the Firehouse stage, alongside local actor Grey Garrett. They are joined by Firehouse newcomers Maboud Ebrahimzadeh, Auveen Dezgaran and JD Lawrence. 

The play will have pay-what-you-will preview performances Nov. 12 and 13 and will run through Nov. 30. 

Fahmy, a Canadian-born, New York-based playwright, director and screenwriter, has had his work produced across the U.S. and Canada. He is the recipient of the Woodward/Newman Playwriting Award and fellowships from MacDowell, Yaddo and Sundance, among others. He also co-founded the Middle Eastern American Writers Lab and created the BIPOC Director Database. 

The production team includes scenic designer James Ogden, lighting designer Gretta Daughtrey, costume designer Amber Marie Martinez, sound designer Mark Van Hare and props designer Tim Moehring. Erica Hughes serves as dialect coach, Angelica Burgos as choreographer, Kelsey Cordrey as assistant to the director and Grace Brown LaBelle as stage manager. 

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at firehousetheatre.org or by calling (804) 355-2001. Active-duty military and veterans receive a 15% discount, and tickets for college and high school students are $15. Pay-what-you-will pricing is also available all matinees, except the closing show on Nov. 30.