The Refugees

by Brent Askari

After a civil war in the United States, the Sutton family from Connecticut flees the country, ending up as refugees in the Middle East. The Suttons find themselves impoverished and in the minority, struggling for existence in their new home. Winner of the National New Play Network's Smith Prize For Political Theater.

After a civil war in the United States, the Sutton family from Connecticut flees the country, ending up as refugees in the Middle East. The Suttons find themselves impoverished and in the minority, struggling for existence in their new home. Winner of the National New Play Network's Smith Prize For Political Theater.

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The Refugees

Recommended by

  • Barry Smoot: The Refugees

    An intelligent, witty, honest and complex vision of what it looks like to have the tables unrelentingly turned. One of the sharpest takes on immigration and America's isolationist viewpoints I've read. A smart, well written and politically savage work that is ultimately very moving. This is an important play.

    An intelligent, witty, honest and complex vision of what it looks like to have the tables unrelentingly turned. One of the sharpest takes on immigration and America's isolationist viewpoints I've read. A smart, well written and politically savage work that is ultimately very moving. This is an important play.

  • roberta pyzel: The Refugees

    Brent Askari holds up a mirror to a very American, very privileged class. The painful truth of our delusions is presented with wonderful humor and tenderness.This is a beautiful cry for us to see ourselves in others and to recognize the human fragility that unites us all.

    Brent Askari holds up a mirror to a very American, very privileged class. The painful truth of our delusions is presented with wonderful humor and tenderness.This is a beautiful cry for us to see ourselves in others and to recognize the human fragility that unites us all.

  • Nick Malakhow: The Refugees

    Timely/timeless exploration of seeking asylum, American Exceptionalism, and what the essential components of "culture" are for any given society. A sharp satire that situates a WASPish family from Connecticut in circumstances neither they nor many Americans could ever see themselves in, though it is all realized in a way that feels frighteningly close to home. There is some satisfying and subtle world building, complicated and fully realized characters, and a satisfying ending that avoids cliches and either "happily ever afters" or unnecessary tragedy. I'd be excited to see this on its feet!

    Timely/timeless exploration of seeking asylum, American Exceptionalism, and what the essential components of "culture" are for any given society. A sharp satire that situates a WASPish family from Connecticut in circumstances neither they nor many Americans could ever see themselves in, though it is all realized in a way that feels frighteningly close to home. There is some satisfying and subtle world building, complicated and fully realized characters, and a satisfying ending that avoids cliches and either "happily ever afters" or unnecessary tragedy. I'd be excited to see this on its feet!

View all 7 recommendations

Character Information

  • Wynn
    The teenaged son of Yates and Poppy.
  • Salma
    A local social worker.
  • Barry
    American expat who dabbles in lots of things.
  • Sam
    A local man.
  • Yates
    A WASPy corporate lawyer from Connecticut.
  • Poppy
    A WASPy lady of leisure from Connecticut.

Development History

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Gulfshore Playhouse, Year 2024

Awards