Knowing Cairo

Knowing Cairo by Andrea Stolowitz

(0)
Productions (12)
Drama
|
90 - 100 minutes
3 W, 
Content Notes: Mild adult language
Set: A living room unit set.

Rose, an elderly German-Jewish New Yorker, is a screamer. Approaching the big 8-0, she has managed to scare away an array of caretakers with her overwhelming antics. That is until her busy psychoanalyst daughter hires Winsome, an African American woman, who proves to be Rose's match. When Lydia realizes how close the two have become, she suspects Winsome of being a clever grifter, but are her suspicions based on truth, or merely produced by jealously? Alternately funny, moving and disturbing, this play raises questions of trust, race, and family obligation.

Pricing Information

Min. Performance Fee* $85
Standard Edition $13.99
Stage Manager Edition $24.99

*The per performance fee begins at $85. Your per performance fee will be provided during the ordering process.

Play Details

Rose, an elderly German-Jewish New Yorker, is a screamer. Approaching the big 8-0, she has managed to scare away an array of caretakers with her overwhelming antics. That is until her busy psychoanalyst daughter hires Winsome, an African American woman, who proves to be Rose's match. When Lydia realizes how close the two have become, she suspects Winsome of being a clever grifter, but are her suspicions based on truth, or merely produced by jealously? Alternately funny, moving and disturbing, this play raises questions of trust, race, and family obligation.

  • Drama
  • |
  • 90 - 100 minutes
  • 3 W, 
  • Content Notes: Mild adult language
  • Set: A living room unit set.

Published Reviews

"What's amazing about Knowing Cairo is that such a well-crafted, insightful, and deeply moving study on aging was produced by a playwright barely into her 30s. [Stolowitz] digs deep into the complex realities of middle- and old-age relationships, and the burdens and responsibilities we have to each other."

Pam Kragan, North County Times

"The three character drama fascinates. It's a mystery, only you don't realize it to the end."

Jeff Smith, San Diego Reader

"It's a lovely, poignant play. Stolowitz is a gem."

Charlene Baldridge, sdtheatrescene.com

"Part of the strength of Knowing Cairo, Andrea Stolowitz's new play, is the playwright's brave refusal to sugarcoat the issues and tough decisions that attend the subject."

Paul Hodgins, The Orange Country Register

"This award winning local playwright has developed a work that is lovingly, wittily, and realistically written."

Rob Hopper, San Diego Playbill

"All of our parents might be different -- admittedly, some are easier to enjoy than others -- but the circumstances are the similar. Watching the interaction between the play's harried daughter and recalcitrant mother -- and laughing about it -- reminds us that feeling alternately frantic and redundant are part of the job description. It was clear from the opening scene that playwright Andrea Stolowitz, a UCSD graduate, has been there and done that."

Marsha Kay Seff, The San Diego Union-Tribune

"Stolowitz rises impressively to the occasion, with her unerring ear, depth of insight, and flair for humor and drama. Her intriguing characters are beautifully brought to life."

Pat Launer, KPBS, a broadcast service of San Diego University

Production History

MAY 06, 2022 - MAY 22, 2022
Wiesbaden Performing Arts Center (WPAC)
Wiesbaden, Germany
Wiesbaden Performing Arts Center (WPAC) Wiesbaden, Germany
MAR 07, 2021 - MAR 07, 2021
Angels Theatre Co
Lincoln, NE United States
Angels Theatre Co Lincoln, NE United States
OCT 02, 2017 - OCT 02, 2017
Mt Hood Rep
Portland, OR United States
Mt Hood Rep Portland, OR United States
MAR 07, 2015 - MAR 15, 2015
Williston Community Theater
Williston, FL United States
Williston Community Theater Williston, FL United States
NOV 17, 2014 - NOV 24, 2014
Newton-Conover High School
Newton, NC United States
Newton-Conover High School Newton, NC United States
APR 01, 2013 - APR 01, 2013
Profile Theatre
Portland, OR United States
Profile Theatre Portland, OR United States
MAR 23, 2012 - MAR 25, 2012
Lehigh University-Department Of Theatre
Bethlehem, PA United States
Lehigh University-Department Of Theatre Bethlehem, PA United States
JAN 27, 2009 - JAN 31, 2009
Cork Arts Theatre
Cork, Ireland
Cork Arts Theatre Cork, Ireland
OCT 08, 2008 - OCT 18, 2008
Cork Arts Theatre
Cork, Ireland
Cork Arts Theatre Cork, Ireland
FEB 03, 2006 - FEB 19, 2006
Rose Wagner Theater Center
Salt Lake City, UT United States
Rose Wagner Theater Center Salt Lake City, UT United States
FEB 29, 2004 - APR 04, 2004
Rivendell Theater
Chicago, IL United States
Rivendell Theater Chicago, IL United States
MAR 30, 2003 - MAY 11, 2003
Old Globe Theater
San Diego, CA United States
Old Globe Theater San Diego, CA United States
No upcoming productions.
APR 01, 2013 - APR 01, 2013
Profile Theatre
Portland, OR United States
Profile Theatre Portland, OR United States
JAN 27, 2009 - JAN 31, 2009
Cork Arts Theatre
Cork, Ireland
Cork Arts Theatre Cork, Ireland
OCT 08, 2008 - OCT 18, 2008
Cork Arts Theatre
Cork, Ireland
Cork Arts Theatre Cork, Ireland
FEB 29, 2004 - APR 04, 2004
Rivendell Theater
Chicago, IL United States
Rivendell Theater Chicago, IL United States
MAR 30, 2003 - MAY 11, 2003
Old Globe Theater
San Diego, CA United States
Old Globe Theater San Diego, CA United States

Awards (2)

Winner, San Diego Playbill's Best New Play (2003)

LA Times Critics' Pick (2003)