Rayceen Pendarvis accepted an invitation to host a panel discussion titled Coloring Outside of the Lines. Pendarvis was joined by several panelists, including Taylor Lianne Chandler, Benicio Arena Rodriguez, Shareese Envy Mi Mone, and Achim Howard. The group was also joined by actor/playwright Mashuq Mushtaq Deen.
The panel convened specifically to talk about the theatrical stage play Draw the Circle, which was presented just prior to the discussion. The promotional write-up for the play reads as follows. “Gender transition can be a test for any household—but when Mashuq Mushtaq Deen comes out to his conservative Muslim family, traditional values and Western ideals collide in an hilarious and moving immigration journey unlike any other. Told entirely from the point of view of family and friends, yet performed by Deen himself, Draw the Circle is a moving story about survival, transition, and unconditional love.”
The play was presented as part of a series titled "Transformational Journeys: Inspired Singular Explorations." In his review for The Washington Post, Nelson Pressley described the play as "Fresh...Striking...Big Hearted."
The event was sponsored by The Mosaic Theater and held at the Atlas Performing Arts Center in Washington, DC.
Click below to view video footage from the event.
For more information visit: The Mosaic Theater
