Joseph Ahmed
January 21 - February 1, 2026
by Mashuq Mushtaq Deen
Directed by Andrew Watring
Regional Premiere
Draw the Circle is a true story of love and transformation. Starring Joseph Ahmed as an ensemble of characters, and drawn from the playwright's own life, this critically acclaimed one-person show tells the story of Shireen as he becomes Deen, and illuminates the many ways we all change as we search for belonging and a place to call home. As Deen defies expectations placed on him by gender, faith, and family, the play explores the love and endurance required to live authentically and asks us what we do when truth and tradition are in conflict.
A story full of humor and heart, Draw the Circle affirms that our shared humanity is always larger than the divisions that are meant to define us.
Tickets: $35 Adult | $20 Previews & Student/Youth Tickets
Best enjoyed by ages 16+
This play is a one-person show that depicts the experience of a trans-masculine person. Click here for content warnings pertaining to this production.
“A funny, tender portrait of a first-generation Indian family confronting love, faith, and change”
-Broadway World (Read the full article here!)
"Draw the Circle is an epochal inquiry into identity…and some of the most pressing questions of our time"
-DC Theater Arts
"Striking and big-hearted"
-The Washington Post
Previews: January 21 + 22 at 7:30p
Opening Night: January 23 at 7:30p Post-performance reception with the cast and creative team.
Happy Hour PRIDE reception: January 29 at 6:30p Raise a glass before the curtain rises! Arrive early for a lively pre-show reception with drinks and light bites on the theatre grounds for a casual gathering for LGBTQ+ friends and allies.
Relaxed performance: January 31 at 2p with a pre-show sensory tour at approximately 45 mins prior to curtain time.
Audio described performances: January 29 at 7:30p and January 31 at 2p, with a pre-show sensory tour at approximately 45 mins prior to curtain.To guarantee availability, please contact the box office at 610-565-4211 or boxoffice@hedgerowtheatre.org to reserve your audio headset.
American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation provided by HandsUP Productions on January 31 at 2p. Inquire with box office for recommendations on best seating for viewing the open caption screen at 610-565-4211 or boxoffice@hedgerowtheatre.org.
Watch Word Live captioning & smart glasses: Available for all performances beginning January 29 at 7:30p. To guarantee availability, please contact the box office at 610-565-4211 or boxoffice@hedgerowtheatre.org to reserve your audio headset.
Open captioning service available for all performances during the week of January 29 - February 1 Inquire with box office for recommendations on best seating for viewing the open caption screen at 610-565-4211 or boxoffice@hedgerowtheatre.org.