Anosh Irani’s Behind the Moon, starring Rizwan Manji, opens on February 6.
“Saw #BehindtheMoon...and was completely blown away… Beautifully written...Not to be missed." Deepa Mehta (Academy Award-nominated director of Water)
Victoria, BC...From February 4 to March 3, 2025, the Belfry Theatre will present Behind the Moon by Anosh Irani. Directed by Leora Morris, Behind the Moon stars Rizwan Manji (He played Ray Butani in the hit TV series, Schitt’s Creek), Anand Rajaram, and Ben Yoganathan.
Hailed as “one of CanLit’s most innovative chameleons,” playwright and novelist Anosh Irani takes us to the Mughlai Moon restaurant in Toronto, where Ayub cooks, cleans, and waits for his future to begin. His father’s friend, Qadir, has brought him to Canada with a promise of permanency that has yet to materialize. When a mysterious stranger enters the picture, the balance of Ayub’s world is threatened.
“Stellar...A brilliant piece of theatre you don't want to miss!” A View from the Box
Why I Chose This Play
Anosh Irani is an award-winning BC playwright and author who grew up in Mumbai. His clear-eyed view of the world—tempered by his humanity and his skill as a storyteller—makes for thrilling theatre. This story is an ever-changing dance involving three men—all fathers—and how one of them struggles to live in hope—against all odds. – Michael Shamata.
Anosh Irani - Playwright
Anosh Irani is a three-time Governor General’s Literary Award-shortlisted author and playwright, and a two-time winner of the Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding New Play. His novel, The Parcel, was a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize, and the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize, and was chosen as one of the Best Books of the Year by the Globe and Mail, Quill & Quire, National Post, CBC Books and The Walrus. He is the recipient of the 2023 Writers’ Trust Engel Findley Award.
Cast
Rizwan Manji - Jalal
Anand Rajaram - Qadir Bhai
Ben Yoganathan - Ayub
Creative Team
Anosh Irani - Playwright
Leora Morris - Director
Anahita Dehbonehie - Set & Costume Designer
Logan Raju Cracknell - Lighting Designer
Chris Ross-Ewart - Sound Designer / Composer
Wei Qing Tan - Stage Manager
Kelsey Cain – Assistant Stage Manager
Heather Jarvie - Assistant Director
Live & Virtual Events
Our round-up of events happening at the theatre over the next four weeks.
B4PLAY (IN-PERSON + ONLINE)
BMO Studio, 1291 Gladstone Avenue
Saturday, February 1 at 11 AM
Our live talk show hosted by CBC Radio’s Gregor Craigie and featuring artists from the upcoming show, along with experts from the community, has been designed to provide insight into each Mainstage production.
Each event is held the Saturday before Opening, is free to attend, live streamed on Facebook, and is available as a podcast on our website.
B4Play is ASL Interpreted. To reserve your free tickets, please call our Box Office at 250-385-6815.
TALKBACK THURSDAY (In Person)
February 20 at 9:30 PM
Following the third Thursday performance of each show, actors return to the stage to answer your questions and provide insight into the play you have just experienced. These Q & A sessions last approximately 20 minutes.
VOCALEYE - Behind the Moon
Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 2 PM (in-person event with Touch Tour & Social after)
For patrons with low or no vision, we offer one VocalEye performance during most Mainstage productions. Trained Audio Describers provide descriptions of the visual elements of the show, allowing people with low vision to enjoy the theatrical experience without missing any of the details. More information at the Box Office - 250-385-6815.
Ticket Information
We are offering Pay What You Want tickets for all performances this season. Tickets are available at 250-385-6815 or online at tickets.belfry.bc.ca.
Show Sponsors
Behind the Moon is generously supported by Chateau Victoria, PARC Retirement Living and Used.ca.
Season Sponsors
The Belfry is generously supported by The Times Colonist, Helijet, and Splashes Bath & Kitchen.
Public Funders
The Belfry is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts, the Province of BC, the BC Arts Council, CRD Arts Development, and the City of Victoria.
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Mark Dusseault