USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Not just one, but two play readings highlight the schedule of events in the coming week for Door County Reads’ continued exploration of “American Dervish” by Milwaukee native Ayad Akhtar.

In addition to a Jan. 31 reading of Akhtar’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama “Disgraced” by the returning-from-hiatus Isadoora Theatre Company at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Door County in Ephraim, Peninsula Players Theatre gives a reading of the Akhtar play “The Who and the What” on Feb. 1 at Bjorklunden.

“The Who and The What,” which premiered in 2014, concerns Zarina, a brilliant Pakistani-American female writer who, unbeknownst to her family, is finishing a novel about Islam and women. While drafting the book she meets Eli, a young convert who bridges the gulf between her traditional heritage and her modern life. Zarina’s family is forced to take a hard look at their beliefs when her conservative father and sister discover the controversial manuscript.

Featured actors are Rom Barkhordar, Minita Gandhi, Susaan Jamshidi, Chad Luberger and Players Artistic Director Greg Vinkler.

Peninsula Players has taken part in Door County Reads by giving a reading each year of a play related to the featured book. The reading also is part of Players’ “The Play’s the Thing” offseason play reading series.

Peninsula Players presents its reading of “The Who and the What” by Ayad Akhtar at 7 p.m. Feb. 1 at Bjorklunden, 7590 Boynton Lane, just off Wisconsin 57, Baileys Harbor. Admission is free.

Following is the rest of the upcoming Door County Reads schedule. For more information, call 920-743-6578 or go to www.doorcountyreads.org.

JAN. 29

11 a.m.: Book Discussion

Discussion of “American Dervish,” led by Laura Kayacan, Adult Services Librarian. Door County Library, Main and Lakeview Roads, Washington Island.

6:30 p.m.: Book Discussion

Discussion of “American Dervish,” led by Laura Kayacan, Adult Services Librarian. Jefferson Street Books, 616 Jefferson St., Sturgeon Bay.

JAN. 31

3 p.m.: Play reading

Isadoora Theatre Company gives a staged reading of “Disgraced,” a Pulitzer-Prize-winning play by Ayad Akhtar, the author of “American Dervish.” Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Door County, 10341 Wisconsin 42, Ephraim.

FEB. 1

6:30 p.m.: Book Discussion

Door County Library Director Becca Berger leads the Forestville and Maplewood Homemakers groups in a discussion of “American Dervish. Forestville Town Hall, 7705 County H.

7 p.m.: Play reading

Peninsula Players presents a reading of “The Who and the What” by by Ayad Akhtar, the author of “American Dervish,” exploring the conflict that erupts within a Muslim family when an independent-minded daughter writes a novel that offends her father and sister. Bjorklunden, 7590 Boynton Lane, just off Wisconsin 57, Baileys Harbor.

FEB. 3

1:30 p.m.: Book discussion

Discussion of “American Dervish,” led by Door County Library Director Becca Berger. Jefferson Street Books, 616 Jefferson St., Sturgeon Bay.

FEB. 4

2 to 4 p.m.: Poetry workshop

Write On, Door County and the Door County Library offer “Calm in the Storm: Poetry for All Times and Places,” a workshop that will include an exploration of the poetry of Rumi and other Sufi poets, as well as ways to use mindfulness to create poems. Baileys Harbor Town Hall, 2392 County F. Limited to 15 participants; call 920-743-6578 to sign up.

FEB. 5

7 p.m.: Keynote Address

Steven Fink, Associate Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and an expert on Islam in the U.S., helps demystify the Muslim community with “Understanding Islam: Fact and Fallacy.” His research focuses on Islamophobia and connections between religion and sports. Archana Patel of Kinara Urban Eatery in Sturgeon Bay will provide ethnic food. Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St. (at Wisconsin 42-57), Sturgeon Bay.

FEB. 9

2:30 p.m.: Book discussion

The Readers Rampant book group discusses “American Dervish” by Ayad Akhtar; all interested parties can listen or take part. Door County Library, 2323 Mill Road, Sister Bay.

FEB. 11

2 p.m.: Movie

Screening of “The War Within,” a 2005 movie co-written by and starring “American Dervish” author Ayad Akhtar, followed by discussion with movie expert Mike Orlock. Door County Library, 107 S. Fourth Ave., Sturgeon Bay.

FEB. 12

6 p.m.: Understanding Islam

Learn more about Islam and the Green Bay Masjid from a member of the Islamic Society of Wisconsin. The Green Bay Masjid seeks to spread an understanding of Islam, Muslims, their origins and beliefs. Miller Art Museum, inside Door County Library, 107 S. Fourth Ave., Sturgeon Bay.

FEB. 13

1 to 3 p.m.: Family Cultural Fair

Widen the family’s horizons by experiencing the sights, sounds and tastes of Pakistani culture. Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St. (at Wisconsin 42-57), Sturgeon Bay.

FEB. 18

10 a.m. to noon: Book Discussion

Discussion of “American Dervish” for Learning in Retirement participants, led by Becca Berger, Library Director. 107 S. Fourth Ave., Sturgeon Bay. Preregistration required through Learning in Retirement.