Bacha Bazi (Boy Play) February 16, 2012

February 16, 22, 24, 25 at 8:00 p.m.
February 19 at 2:00 p.m.

The eve of Obama's election finds Aaron, a documentary filmmaker from Texas, in Northern Afghanistan. He's there to shoot a film about the poppy trade, but changes his mind when he encounters bacha bazi (boy play), an ancient Afghan tradition where young boys dance in women's clothing and are sold for sex to the highest bidder. Both fascinated and offended by the practice, Aaron meets Hafiz, a young dancer, and his investigative journalism turns personal.

Alternating between Dari and English, dance and language, fear and desire, "Bacha Bazi (Boy Play)" written and directed by Gabriel Jason Dean brings a critical lens to American altruism and explores the often fatal consequences of intercultural misunderstanding. At its core, it asks, "What are the consequences of good intentions?"

"Bacha Bazi (Boy Play)" is presented in conjunction with The University of Texas at Austin Department of Theatre and Dance’s UTNT (UT New Theatre).

Tickets: $10; May be purchased the day of performances beginning 90 minutes prior to curtain. For more information, please call 512-471-5793 or visit the URL below.