NEW YORK, NY — As the Midtown International Theatre Festival (MITF) makes its historic return to the New York stage, festival producers have named “Omeed’s Tapestries” a featured production of the 2026 season. Written by Barry M. Putt, Jr. and directed by Robert Liebowitz, this powerful drama will run as part of the festival’s residency at the American Theatre of Actors (ATA) from June 15 through July 26, 2026.
“Omeed’s Tapestries” tells the harrowing and deeply human story of an Iranian shopkeeper and his partner as they meticulously plan to flee their homeland to live openly as a same-sex couple. Their dreams of freedom are plunged into jeopardy when a devout neighbor discovers their secret, threatening to destroy their lives.
The play is the result of exhaustive research, inspired by over three dozen first-person accounts and interviews with those who have lived through similar struggles. Its screenplay predecessor has already garnered critical acclaim, winning the Spring 2024 Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards (Diverse Writers Outreach) for Best Screenplay.
“This play isn’t just a story; it’s a tapestry woven from the real-life courage of those forced to hide their identities,” said press representative, Jay Michaels. “Bringing this to the MITF during the ATA’s 50th Anniversary allows us to highlight a global struggle for human rights on one of New York’s most historic independent stages.”
The production features set dressing by MJ Fox and is scheduled for a high-profile tie-in event at the legendary Drama Book Shop in June, further cementing its status as a “must-see” event of the summer season.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
WHAT: Omeed’s Tapestries
WHERE: American Theatre of Actors (ATA), 314 W 54th St, NYC
WHEN:
Monday June 29 – Omeed’s Tapestries (90 min) – 8:15pm
Wednesday July 1 – Omeed’s Tapestries (90 min) – 8:15pm
Saturday July 4 – Omeed’s Tapestries (90 min) – 11:30am
Monday July 6 – Omeed’s Tapestries (90 min) – 8:15pm
Thursday July 9 – Omeed’s Tapestries/TALKBACK (120 min) – 8:15pm
Friday July 10 – Omeed’s Tapestries (90 min) – 6:00p
SPECIAL EVENT: Special production event at The Drama Book Shop (June 2026)
TICKETS ANNOUNCED SHORTLY
About the Midtown International Theatre Festival (MITF): After a ten-year hiatus, the MITF returns in 2026 to continue its legacy as a vital institution for independent theatre. In collaboration with Jay Michaels Global Communications and the American Theatre of Actors, the festival provides a platform for bold, international, and socially relevant storytelling.
The new festival will encompass the entire ATA complex of three theatres starting June 15 through July 26, 2026
ARTIUM: OMNI 