The cast of “Paradise”Top row (left to right) Brianna Borouchoff, John Glowacki, Tim Koehler. Bottom row (left to right) Bethany Davey, Liz Faraglia

On Wednesday, Nov. 4, the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee’s Theatre Department launches the New Directions series of student-directed productions with Glyn O’Malley’s “Paradise.“

Set in Jerusalem in 2002 at the height of the intifada, “Paradise” tells the story of two high school students – one Palestinian, the other Israeli – who are facing a dire time in their lives. From across a divided West Bank, Fatima and Sarah search for truth and question the validity of a war that defines and divides their worlds.

Janine Bannier directs the all-student cast and crew. The cast includes Brianna Borouchoff (Shoshanna), Bethany Davey (Sarah), Liz Faraglia (Fatima), John Glowacki (Bassam) and Tim Koehler (Omar).

Performances are Wednesday, Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 8, 2 p.m. All performances are in the Studio Theatre, located in the basement level of the Arts Center on the main UWM campus, 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd.

Talkbacks will be held after the Wednesday and Sunday performances.

All seats are $5. For information, phone the Peck School of the Arts Box Office at 414-229-4308.