Once upon a Time in Nazi Occupied Tunisia

By: Josh Azouz

Narrated by: Laila Ayad, Tara Lynne Barr, Patrick Heusinger, Daniel David Stewart, Simon Templeman, Pej Vahdat

In this darkly comic, poignant, and at times surreal play, two couples in Tunisia—one Muslim and one Jewish—share a deep and complicated friendship before the German takeover of their country in World War 2. Now under a brutal regime, they face the truth about their long-simmering feelings about friendship and romance as they struggle to save themselves from a Nazi commandant—named Grandma.

Recorded at The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood in September 2022

Directed by Anna Lyse Erikson

Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg

An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast recording starring:

Laila Ayad as Faiza

Tara Lynne Barr as Loys

Patrick Heusinger as Victor

Daniel David Stewart as Little Fella

Simon Templeman as Grandma

Pej Vahdat as Youssef

Senior Producer: Anna Lyse Erikson

Sound Design: David Wilson and Charles Carroll

Recording Engineer, Editor and Mixer: Charles Carroll

Senior Radio Producer: Ronn Lipkin

Foley Artist: Jeff Gardner

©2021 Josh Azouz (P)2022 L.A. Theatre Works

Thought provoking

A dark WWII comedy with an interesting premise. The ending is disappointing but the playwright shows promise. Simon Templeman gives a first-rate performance.