“The North Pool,” a one-act psychological drama that involves an emotionally and politically charged conversation between a high school vice-principal and a Middle-Eastern born transfer student will be presented as a staged reading at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Blue Heron.

Written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Rajiv Joseph, author of “Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo,” the play is directed by Lisa Breen and will feature Chaim Rosemarin in the role of vice-principal Dr. Danielson and Reverend Marc Powell as the high school student Khadim Asmaan.

The story begins with Danielson calling Asmaan into his office to ostensibly discuss the student’s absence during a fire drill. It quickly becomes clear that this is a ploy to interrogate Khadim about other incidents that touch on issues of class, race and power.

The fast-paced interchange between student and principal becomes a commentary on prevailing cultural prejudice and paranoia, but as the play unfolds, the volatile argument between the two characters reveals painful past stories that end up transforming the characters in unexpected ways.Lighting design is by Jamie Dulfer, sound by Kevin Pottinger and music/sound by Marc Powell.

Tickets are $12 for VAA members and seniors, $16 for general audience and $10 for students ages 14 and up. Tickets are sold at the Blue Heron and vashonalliedarts.org.