Improvisation in Iraq: Learning to Play with Freedom December 28, 2009

Yousra Kammona, a student improviser from an Iraqi college, and Peter Friedrich, her teacher, will visit BATS Improv for a special night of exploring and celebrating the global power of improv through an interview and performance.

Yousra is 19 years old and was born and raised in Baghdad. She is currently on a full scholarship to Manchester College in Indiana and is majoring in Computer Science. She will carry her experience at BATS Improv back to her home university in Northern Iraq and share it with the school.

Peter Friedrich is the Head of the Drama Department at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani. He has been teaching improv to students in Northern Iraq for a year, during which time drama has grown from an extracurricular "drama club" to a respected everyday part of the university curriculum. It is also entirely based on improv. Peter wants to show his students a professional improv company and give them a concrete sense of international recognition and community. He is also seeking a long-term U.S. partner for future visiting Iraqi improvisers.

Yousra and Peter will be interviewed by BATS Improv Company member Kasey Klemm. The interview will center on life in Iraq and how improv combats cultural isolation and brings together students from different regions.

The interview will be followed by a performance by Yousra and BATS improvisers, including Kasey Klemm, Lisa Rowland, and Basel Al-Naffouri.

Donations will also be accepted that evening to benefit CARE International, a leading humanitarian organization dedicated to fighting global poverty. More online at www.care.org

Official Website: http://www.improv.org/Box-Office/Performance-Schedule.aspx