Jordan-Michael Whidbey and Zach Draper will take part in Central Washington University’s Central Theatre Ensemble production of Nanawatai.

Whideby, a 2010 graduate of Cedar Park Christian School, will play the part of Moustafa. He is a senior pursuing a bachelor of fine arts-performance degree in the Theatre Arts department.

Draper, a 2013 graduate of Bothell High School, is a member of the wardrobe crew. Draper is a freshman at CWU, pursuing a bachelor’s of fine arts-design and production in the Theatre Arts department.

Nanawatai follows the struggle of a Soviet tank crew commanded by a tyrannical officer during the 1980’s invasion of Afghanistan. The crew is separated from its unit and pursued through the mountains by a band of Mujahadeen. The play, which was the basis of the cult film classic, The Beast, explores the how ingrained cultural norms are betrayed by the brutal realities of war.

Nanawatai will be performed November 7-9 and 14-16 at 7:30 p.m., and on November 17 at 2 p.m., in the Milo Smith Tower Theater. General admission is $12, senior and students, $10 and $7 for CWU students with ID. There will be a question and answer session following the performance on Nov. 14.

For tickets, go to www.cwu.edu/theatre/tickets.

Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Welcome Center on University Way or at the Wildcat Shop Customer Service in the Student Union and Recreation Building. You may purchase tickets by phone at 509-963-1429. Parking is free after 4:30 p.m. and on weekends, excepted in specially designated spaces (handicapped, loading) or lots assigned to residence halls. For more information, call the Theatre Arts Department at 509-963-1750.