The subject matter is as intriguing as the people behind it. In Pi Theatre’s Bashir Lazhar—opening tonight (March 5) at Performance Works and running until March 21—an Algerian refugee finds himself instructing a Grade 6 class that’s dealing with the tragic loss of its previous teacher. A portrait that’s been praised for its sensitivity to the experiences of new Canadians, the one-man play was written by Quebec’s Evelyne de la Chenelií¨re and translated by hit Hogtown playwright Morwyn Brebner (whose The Optimists and Little Mercy’s First Murder have attracted huge buzz). David Marr tackles the role, with original music and sound design by Joelysa Pankanea.