“Pilgrimage portrays Muslim women with the complexity they deserve”

“It also exudes care for the community it portrays.”

“Pilgrimage…makes you leave the theater thinking about the women in your life — whom you’d trust with your darkest secrets, whom you could ask to join you on the journey of a lifetime or for care in your neediest hour. 

— Lily Janiak, San Francisco Chronicle

Golden Thread Productions and Z Space present

PilgrimagE

Written by Humaira Ghilzai and Bridgette Dutta Portman

October 24 - November 9
on Z Space’s Steindler Stage

Five women embark on a pilgrimage to Mecca. Noor, an Afghan American immigrant, must fulfill her sister’s last wish. Her daughter, Maryam, a tech CEO, seeks to evade her legal woes, while Noor’s nieces—estranged sisters Sosan and Nadia—must complete the pilgrimage to claim their inheritance. Meanwhile, Fatima, a Black Muslim convert and Nadia’s best friend, hopes to find her biological mother. Will this pilgrimage bring the five women closer, or will secrets, rivalries, and old wounds tear them apart?

Lobby, Box Office, Bar open 1 hour prior to showtime.
House opens for seating 30 minutes prior to showtime.
Pilgrimage runs for 2 hours and 10 minutes, including a 10 minute intermission.

Tickets start at $20. No one is turned away for lack of funds, please email boxoffice@zspace.org for more information.

Special Events

Afghan Threads
Featuring Author Toba Adina-Jao

Sun, Oct 26, 2025 at 2pm (before the 3pm matinee)

Join us for a warm pre-show gathering with author Toba Adina-Jao, celebrating Afghan family, food, and culture, hosted by Salim Razawi, Pilgrimage Cultural Consultant and Artistic Producer at Golden Thread Productions. This afternoon event weaves together stories of heritage and creativity, inviting conversation, reflection, and community inspired by the world of Pilgrimage. Enjoy sweet bites generously provided by Ariana Sweets, browse handcrafted items presented for sale by the Afghan Bazaar, and learn about NGOs supporting women’s education in Afghanistan and how you can engage with their important work.

Meet the Playwrights
Hosted by Acclaimed Egyptian Actor Kal Naga

Fri, Oct 31, 2025, immediately following the 8pm performance

Join us for a post-show conversation with Pilgrimage playwrights Humaira Ghilzai and Bridgette Dutta Portman, moderated by acclaimed Egyptian actor Kal Naga. This engaging discussion invites audiences to explore the inspirations, collaborations, and creative process behind the making of Pilgrimage.

Community Circle with Aviva Arts

Sunday, November 2, 2025 — Following the 3:00 PM matinee

Join us for a special post-show community circle facilitated by Vidhu Singh, Ph.D., an Expressive Arts Facilitator with Aviva Arts. This interactive session offers a space for reflection, creative expression, collective wisdom and storytelling, carrying the themes of the play into our shared lived experience.

Post-Show Conversation
Featuring Halima Kazem, Ph.D.

Sun, Nov 9, 2025, immediately following the 3pm matinee

Join us for a post-show conversation with Halima Kazem, Ph.D., Associate Director of the Program in Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Stanford University, moderated by Nikki Meñez, producer, director, and Curatorial Director at Z Space. The conversation will explore the social, political, and gender dynamics at the heart of Pilgrimage, and how the play resonates within today’s cultural and political landscape.

Cast

Isabel Alamin
Nora el Samahy*
Fatemeh Mehraban
Leda Rasooli,
Jeunée Simon*

*Member, AEA

Crew

Written by Humaira Ghilzai and Bridgette Dutta Portman
Director: Michelle Talgarow

Associate Director & Cultural Consultant: Salim Razawi
Sound Designer: James Ard
Properties Designer: Amy Benjamin
Lighting Designer: Ray Oppenheimer
Scenic Designer: Mikiko Uesugi
Costume Designer: Fatima Yahyaa
Technical Director: Colm McNally
Production Manager: Sarah Phykit

Stage Manager: Karen Runk
Assistant Stage Manager: Tina Mosier