Playwright Unearths Forgotten Armenian-American Story with Modern Twist

In November 2025, playwright Talene Monahon is bringing a forgotten piece of Armenian-American history to the stage with her new play "Meet the Cartozians." The two-act production explores the legal battle faced by the immigrant Tatos O. Cartozian in 1923-24, as he fought to defend his status as a U.S. citizen on the grounds that Armenians were considered "white," not "Asian."

The first act delves into the courtroom drama, showcasing the preparation between Cartozian and his Irish-American lawyer Wallace McCamant. Monahon skillfully weaves in the complex legal history around the Naturalization Act of 1790 and the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, making the potentially dry subject matter digestible through her sharp wit and storytelling prowess.

In the second act, the play takes a satirical turn, exploring the modern-day legacy of the Cartozian family. One of their descendants has become the most famous Armenian in the world, thanks to a reality TV show called "Meet the Cartozians." As the family gathers to film an episode on their cultural heritage, old tensions and debates around identity resurface, despite the passage of a century.

Director David Cromer's acclaimed work on the production has earned praise for his ability to find the humor in adversity, complementing Monahon's unique blend of historical drama and contemporary social commentary.