Looking for more Momentary content?
We're on a journey too! As our playwrights work to write their scripts, we're working on a few projects of our own. There's a lot going on at Momentary in the coming months and you won't want to miss it!
Follow us on all relevant social media channels @momentarythtr to hear more exciting announcements. And check back here at thisismomentary.com for exclusive new play content.
Looking for more Momentary content?
We're on a journey too! As our playwrights work to write their scripts, we're working on a few projects of our own. There's a lot going on at Momentary in the coming months and you won't want to miss it!
Follow us on all relevant social media channels @momentarythtr to hear more exciting announcements. And check back here at thisismomentary.com for exclusive new play content.
Looking for more Momentary content?
We're on a journey too! As our playwrights work to write their scripts, we're working on a few projects of our own. There's a lot going on at Momentary in the coming months and you won't want to miss it!
Follow us on all relevant social media channels @momentarythtr to hear more exciting announcements. And check back here at thisismomentary.com for exclusive new play content.
Looking for more Momentary content?
We're on a journey too! As our playwrights work to write their scripts, we're working on a few projects of our own. There's a lot going on at Momentary in the coming months and you won't want to miss it!
Follow us on all relevant social media channels @momentarythtr to hear more exciting announcements. And check back here at thisismomentary.com for exclusive new play content.
Looking for more Momentary content?
We're on a journey too! As our playwrights work to write their scripts, we're working on a few projects of our own. There's a lot going on at Momentary in the coming months and you won't want to miss it!
Follow us on all relevant social media channels @momentarythtr to hear more exciting announcements. And check back here at thisismomentary.com for exclusive new play content.
Looking for more Momentary content?
We're on a journey too! As our playwrights work to write their scripts, we're working on a few projects of our own. There's a lot going on at Momentary in the coming months and you won't want to miss it!
Follow us on all relevant social media channels @momentarythtr to hear more exciting announcements. And check back here at thisismomentary.com for exclusive new play content.
Looking for more Momentary content?
We're on a journey too! As our playwrights work to write their scripts, we're working on a few projects of our own. There's a lot going on at Momentary in the coming months and you won't want to miss it!
Follow us on all relevant social media channels @momentarythtr to hear more exciting announcements. And check back here at thisismomentary.com for exclusive new play content.
Looking for more Momentary content?
We're on a journey too! As our playwrights work to write their scripts, we're working on a few projects of our own. There's a lot going on at Momentary in the coming months and you won't want to miss it!
Follow us on all relevant social media channels @momentarythtr to hear more exciting announcements. And check back here at thisismomentary.com for exclusive new play content.
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The unKNOWN VARIABLE
Separated from her bābā in Iran and living in a strange new land, a determined young girl contacts the President, Santa Claus, and God to determine the unknown variable—when her father will be granted a Green Card from the United States so they can be reunited.
This new play by Nahal Navidar explores the fractured nature of time and memory through the lens of familial separation. The playwright offers a window into the future and the lifelong trauma the parent and child experience when they are stripped of their most instinctive human need.
January 8th through February 1st, 2026
at The Edge Off-Broadway
Performance schedule
The Unknown Variable plays Thursdays through Mondays at 7pm (Sunday at 2pm). In addition to the play, consider booking your ticket to take advantage of one of our accompanying programs:
Post-Show Talkbacks with the Playwright, Saturdays: 1/17, 1/31
After the play, join playwright Nahal Navidar in a conversation about the process and impact of The Unknown Variable.
Post-Show Artbacks, Sundays: 1/11, 1/18, 1/25
After the play, join Art Therapist Alexa Costa and artists from the production for a craft and conversation about the themes of the play and the healing power of art.
ICIRR Benefit Performance: Friday, 1/16
All proceeds from this night’s ticket sales will go directly to The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.
Industry Nights, Mondays: 1/12, 1/19, 1/26
Use code INDUSTRYMONDAY for $10 off Monday evening performances as a professional in the Chicago theatre community.
Understudy Performance: Thursday, 1/22
MEET THE TEAM
Nahal Navidar
Playwright, Producer
Tina El Gamal
Performer - Āvā
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Ninos Baba
Performer - Bābā
Antonio L. Rodriguez
Performer - Chorus, Producer
Cailyn Murray
Understudy - Āvā
Jacob C. Shuler
Dramaturg-Director, Producer
Ellie Fey
Lighting Designer
Amy C. Gilman
Scenic & Properties Designer
Harper Justus
Sound Designer
Allyson Leisure
Costume Designer
Alexa Costa
Art Therapist & Dramaturg, Producer
Nihan Baysal
Stage Manager
Sade Namei
Dialect Coach
This production is generously supported by a grant from Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Please consider making your own contribution to advance our city's storefront theatre scene and to elevate stories of family seperation and immigration in the United States today.
MORE ON THE UNKNOWN VARIABLE
![Time Magazines [2020-2024]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d9fb32_8c3bddf12e2347fd967d1215c7f8c2f0~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_61,h_61,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/d9fb32_8c3bddf12e2347fd967d1215c7f8c2f0~mv2.png)