Hostage, a play by Professor of Theatre Kim Pereira, will open the 2015 season of New Route Theatre.

This play, a semi-finalist at the Eugene O’Neill Center National Playwrights Conference, is set somewhere in the Middle East against the complicated backdrop of ISIS, the West Bank and Arab-American relations. Directed by guest director Tom Palmer from Atlanta, Ga., Hostage features local theatre veterans Rhys Lovell and Dan Irvin.

Performance dates are Feb 26, 27, 29 and March 1, 5, 6, 7, 8. Performances are 7:30 p.m. and Sunday performances at 2:30 p.m. All performances are at New Route Theatre, 814 Jersey Ave., Normal IL. Tickets available at the door for $10 General Admission and $8 for students and seniors. Seats may also be reserved by calling 309-827-7330 or emailing new.route.theatre@gmail.com.