Word for Word and Z Space present
Assimilation
Stories by E.L. Doctorow & Tatyana Tolstaya
Directed by Rotimi Agbabiaka
Oct 14 - Nov 8, 2026
in Z Below
In "Assimilation" by E. L. Doctorow, a dishwasher is offered a chance at promotion—if he agrees to enter a green-card marriage at his boss’s request.
"Smoke and Shadows” by Tatyana Tolstaya centers on a Russian woman living in the U.S., navigating her professional life as a professor, her intimate relationships, and the lingering pull of memory. As conversations unfold, small imbalances of power, desire, and misunderstanding come quietly into focus. Told with Tolstaya’s sharp, restrained wit, the story pays close attention to what passes between people and what remains unsaid.
Schedule
Previews: Wed 10/14 and Thur 10/15, 7pm, Fri 10/16 8pm
Opening Night: Sat 10/17 8pm
Run of Show: 10/18 - 11/8 | Wed & Thurs, 7pm | Fri & Sat, 8pm | Sun, 2pm
Word for Word is proud to support the Children’s Book Project, which provides books to children, advancing equity in literacy, learning, and life. Please bring a new or gently used children’s book to donate during the run of the show, and help support this worthy cause. Learn more here.
