Grape Leaves

by Alexander Attea

Marcus Mansour, third-generation Lebanese-American, helps his family run the annual Lebanese Festival at his church in a changing Buffalo, NY during the worsening climate crisis. His sister is embroiled in a toxic relationship, his dad has announced his remarriage, and worst of all, his grandma won't share the family recipes. So when the new priest asks him to take charge of the festival's operations, Marcus...

Marcus Mansour, third-generation Lebanese-American, helps his family run the annual Lebanese Festival at his church in a changing Buffalo, NY during the worsening climate crisis. His sister is embroiled in a toxic relationship, his dad has announced his remarriage, and worst of all, his grandma won't share the family recipes. So when the new priest asks him to take charge of the festival's operations, Marcus sees an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and connection with himself and his identity.

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Grape Leaves

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: Grape Leaves by Alexander Attea
    “

    A play about family and belonging that, to my surprise, also has some things to say about the climate crisis. I really connected to each of these characters as they strive so hard to be a member of their family and their culture. Loved the festival as the framing device and venue for these important conversations. Loved the magic in this play and how it is never questioned. Would love to see this play produced. A gift for actors, directors and creative teams.

    A play about family and belonging that, to my surprise, also has some things to say about the climate crisis. I really connected to each of these characters as they strive so hard to be a member of their family and their culture. Loved the festival as the framing device and venue for these important conversations. Loved the magic in this play and how it is never questioned. Would love to see this play produced. A gift for actors, directors and creative teams.

    ”
  • Karissa Murrell Myers: Grape Leaves by Alexander Attea
    “

    This play is full of heart and soul, with just the right amount of charm and sentimentality. It will make your heart ache!

    This play is full of heart and soul, with just the right amount of charm and sentimentality. It will make your heart ache!

    ”

Character Information

  • MARCUS
    Lost in a curious way, then in a lost way.
    20s
    Middle Eastern American
    a man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • ROSIE
    Not-so-successfully hiding her impatience for other people. And herself.
    20s
    Middle Eastern American
    a woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • GRANDMA THERESA
    Gentle, opinionated, and resolutely not listening to anyone else.
    60s-70s
    Middle Eastern
    a woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • ELIAS
    Trying so hard to be liked by everyone.
    40s-50s
    Middle Eastern American
    a man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • MAROUN
    Can be doubled with FATHER DAOUD.
    any age
    Middle Eastern
    a man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • COUSIN KENNY
    In constant pursuit of bygone glory days.
    40s-50s
    Middle Eastern American
    a man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • KATIE
    So chill, like ridiculously chill, like how does she do it?
    20s
    Middle Eastern American
    a woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • FATHER DAOUD
    If he wasn’t a priest he would’ve been a pretty good local politician.
    30s-40s
    Middle Eastern
    a man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • NAOMI
    Not easily surprised.
    30s
    Any
    a woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • BOYFRIEND BILLY / HUSBAND BILL
    Moms love Boyfriend Billy.
    20s-30s
    Any
    a man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Awards