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Answer
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Name
Sema
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Profession
Question
Salam
The title of your play is so original and I hail you for it. Was it your idea or was it recommended to you by someone?
Answer
Walaikum Salaam, Sema.
I appreciate the compliment. Thank you.
I wrote the play originally as "Untitled" and just could not decide on a final title for the life of me.
Once it was completed, I create a list of about 15 titles for myself to be shared with the play's director, Carla Blank, and producer, Ishmael Reed.
I always knew "The Domestic Crusaders" was the strongest title and had essentially made my mind on it as soon as it came to me. The producer and director immediately reacted in a similar way upon reading the title.
I thought it evoked a layered meaning that serves both a literal and figurative connotation.
Literally, these family members are all very vocal, passionate individuals who "crusade" for their own unique ideological viewpoint and desires. Figuratively, the play's title evokes the historical legacy of bloodshed, warfare, stereotyping and misunderstandings that have plagued the "East" and "West."
The word still resonates with a global audience - Bush used it disastrously to describe U.S. foreign policy post 9-11 and was reprimanded by everyone, even his British allies, due to the sensivity surrounding this historical occurance.
I thought it would be a perfect way to "De-fang" the potency of the word by humanizing 6 Muslim Americans - showing them to be real flawed people with strengths and weaknesses, not just cardboard cartoons who are violent, reactionary terrorists.
Name
Mohamed
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Profession
Question
How was the feedback of the audience who watched your play?
Answer
The feedback over the past 4 years has been univeral praise and appreciation - alhamdulilah.
We have received standing ovations from diverse, multicultural crowds and critics alike.
Our Berekeley Repertory Theater premiere and our subsequent San Jose performance had loud and vocal standing ovations.
We had Muslims, Jews, Hindus, African Americans, Asian Americans, Whites, young, old, hip hoppers, hijabis, and everything in between attend the play.
It is very affirming for me since the play is designed for a global, multicultural audience.
It is a story that is "by us" but "for everyone." A story that respects the Muslim and Pakistani American experience but invites those of different backgrounds to empathize with the story due to the universal values shared by all families.
Even the critics - both domestic and international such as the BBC, Pakistan Link, GEO TV, Emma Thompson and so forth - have praised the play.
It is very rare to have such love and acclaim for what could have been a divisive and controversial piece, but due to the themes and honesty, is a play that is embraced by mostly all who have seen it.
Name
Alice
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Profession
Question
Hi,
I have gone through some of the reviews that were written on your play. It seems interesting. I would like to ask what triggered the play’s idea in your head?
Thanks
Answer
If you would have told me at the age of 20 that I would write a play that was about to be staged in New York, I would call you crazy.
I have wanted to be Joe Montana or Michael Jordan growing up, but never an Arthur Miller or Eugene O'neil.
I accidentally fell into writing "The Domestic Crusaders" as a result of a short story fiction writing class I took in my final year of UC Berkeley with Professor Ishmael Reed.
The year was 2001 and 9-11 had just happened a few weeks earlier. My professor sets me aside from the class and tells me I'm a natural playwright and have natural talent.
He takes me out of the class and tells me to write him 20 pages of a "play" in order to "pass" the class.
He says, "I'm tired of seeing Muslims stereotyped and pummeled in the media. Why don't you write a family drama about a Muslim family?"
He is an African American and not Muslim, mind you.
I thought he was crazy for telling me to write a play.
Again, he could've said, "You should become a ballerina," and I probably would not have rolled my eyes as much as I did when he told me to write it.
He gave me incredible freedom - he simply said write 20 pages.
So, I spent 2 months just thinking of characters. I wrote the profiles for 6 characters. I gave them names, physical descrptions, personality traits and really invested time in "Fleshing" them out as complicated human beings.
Then I had an inkling of a plot - one day in the life of a family in contemporary America: no last names, no location of the city and no date or year.
I started writing it when I was 21 and finished it for my 23rd birthday.
And voila.
Name
Karim
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Profession
Question
How far do you find the find the media biased when handling the Pakistani culture? are you Pakistanis living in America different from Pakistani communities in UK and Europe?
Answer
The media's treatment of depicting Pakistan, as well as Pakistanis and Pakistani Americans, is usually quite tone deaf and depressing.
It seems they only have two colors when painting Pakistanis: angry extremist or about to become angry extremist.
"Rage Boy" is the name of this icon that is used by media pundits and journalists: a bearded, fiercely anti American and anti Western jihadist who hates Jews and is ultra "conservative" residing in a country that is about to become radioactive thanks to millions of Taliban members who will take over the nuclear weapons and wreak havoc in the world.
Anyone who has been to Pakistan knows the reality is completely and utterly different compared to the banal and exaggeratd one depicted in the media.
It is a diverse, complex and fascinating society comprising of nearly 175 million people representing the gamut of human characteristics.
As a Pakistani American living in California, I can tell you most Americans are absolutely fascinated by the country since it is in the news daily. Most think it just popped up even though it has been in existence for 60 + years.
Their conceptual framework unfortunately is limited to the "post 9-11" and "War on Terror" mentality thus reducing Pakistan and Pakistanis' complexity to crude cariacatures.
However, slowly but surely that image is being replaced by a more nuanced and realistic one due to Pakistani writers and journalists and artists. Also, there are those in Western media who are tryting to present a more layered and accurate vision.
It will take a little bit of time but inshallah it will get better.
Name
R.
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Profession
Question
Salams Wajahat... why have you call your play "domestic crusaders"?
Answer
Salaams R.
I believe I just answered this question.
To add some more analysis, I thought it would be a nice ironic touch as well.
The "Crusaders" happen to be an educated, relatively well off American family who have "achieved the American dream."
No one is a violent terrorist, a jihadi, a reactionary, a bomb maker or so forth.
They are very much "ordinary" Americans yet the times they are living in are indeed extraordinary.
They also happen to straddle that particular cultural fence of being both "Western" and "Eastern" due to their fidelity to religion and culture.
Thus, those centuries old stereotypes, fears, doubts and apprehensions of the "other" - whether he be European and Christian or Jewish or Muslim or Arab - can be confronted and eventually deflated by humanizing the characters.
Name
Muslim
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Profession
Question
Salam Brother Wajahat,
Do you define yourself as a crusader in the society you live in?
Answer
Well, if we are being literal, then no I am not a religiously inspired mission to "cleanse" the "Holy Lands" of infidels!
I am also not interested in using violence, extremist rhetoric and divisive tactics to further my cause.
However, if use the word to describe an individual who believes passionately in their viewpoints and is "Striving" for that vision and goal, then yes, we are all "crusaders" in that sense.
I live in a fascinating society that represents a true multicultural melting pot - or biryani pot I should say. My friends growing up were Asian American, Hindu, Sikh, Jews and Muslims.
We are living in globalized times and embracing a multi hyphenated existence.
I am a Muslim Pakistani American man whose first language was Urdu even though he was born and raised in California.
We are also living at a time where the world, especially America, is trying to not only understand itself but also its neighbors who were once seen as suspects and enemies.
There is a realization that the global community must bridge the divide of misunderstanding, intolerance and ignorance if we are to truly live in a future that at least gives us a chance at peace.
We all have our part to play.
As an American Muslim who has been given a platform with my writings, my intention is to navigate this often complex, confusing, frightening and difficult terrain by using my words as a means to heal and inspire.
Inshallah, the ultimate intention and dua'a is that some "good" is done and it can help push things "forward" for all of us.
Name
Zahra
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Profession
Question
AssalamAlykom
When is the next staging of your play? And where it will be performed?
Answer
An excellent question, Zahra, and thank you for asking it.
The play will have its landmark New York debut Off Broadway at the world famous Nuyorican Theater on 9-11-09 for a full 5 week run.
Please do visit the website "www.domesticcrusaders.com" for all information. We will continue updating it in the upcoming months.
But we shall have 20 full shows starting on 9-11-09 and lasting until October in New York.
This is a historic occasion for Muslim American arts. I need all the help I can get to spread the word and pack the house with Muslims.
We have a glorious chance to show the world that we are invested in telling our stories and our narratives.
This can not only educate and inspire the masses, but it can and will open doors for many Muslim artists as unique and gifted storytellers who have something positive to contribute to the world.
For too long our voices have been outsourced and "hijacked" by those who neither represent us nor respect us. This is an opportunity for Muslims to truly embrace a play that shows the world the reality of our experience, yet invites diverse audiences from differing backgrounds to partake and empathize from that experience as well.
I hope all can help me spread the word and rally the masses.
Inshallah, we are aiming for sold out audiences.
Name
Born to Believe
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Profession
Question
How did the Pakistani people livening in the US react to the play?
Answer
Thank you for asking.
As mentioned, I've always written the play for a diverse, global audience - not just Muslims, Americans or Pakistanis.
However, The play, due to its very honest and realistic use of language and depictions of Muslim, American and Pakistani culture, should also be embraced by the ethnic communities it represents.
Our first staged reading in 2004 was at the Mehran South Asian restaurant/Banquet Hall in Newark, California. It was attended by a largely South Asian and Muslim audience.
It was our first "test."
Usually, a staged reading of a play - which is essentially actors acting the play while "reading the script" usually on a very simple stage without movement or props - is attended by 30 people if you are lucky.
We have an over-sold out crowd of 350 people, mashallah.
They gave it a rapturous standing ovation and applause at the end.
Pakistani Link reviewed it and gave it a rave.
It was a very humbling and affirming experience to have the play and its characters embraced so rapturously by the Pakistani and Muslim American community.
Name
Wajed
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Profession
Question
If you were a true crusader, what would you fight for? How would you plan to win your battles?
Answer
Ah, this is like one of these personal reflection questions you write to get into a fancy college!
Wajed, thanks for the question.
First, I have already defined what I mean by a "crusader" in a couple of previous posts.
But, I would like to fight for understanding, mutual respect, tolerance and justice.
I truly believe my Islamic values guide me to fulfill those ambitious goals. The Islam that I follow and love, as exemplified by the sterling adhab and character of Prophet Muhammad [pbuh], is not one rooted in violence, anger, hatred, intolerance, and cruelty.
Islam has helped fuel and shape my humanistic spiritual outlook in life and continues to inspire the the themes of my writings which are focused on building bridges in a time where many forces are hell bent on division.
I believe first and foremost one must have a clear intention. If you are seeking fame, wealth, money and women, that is perfectly acceptable, but utterly predictable and reflecting a lack of ambition and spiritually motivated course of action.
My goals are more intrinsic. I have to know myseld - both my weaknesses and strengths to realize how best to use my skills and potential in fulfillfing these lofty ideals.
That takes a lifetime of reflection and work.
It so happens that writing is the means by which I can try to help not only myself but othrs as well.
The pencil has been the vehicle which has taken me around the world - I've been able to conduct interviews with respected personalities, write influential opeds giving a more realistic and complex narrative on the Muslim American experience, craft fictional stories that have inspired people and so forth.
Words are the ammunition of a writer. We have choices. Do we use these words to lacerate, divide, and destroy? Or, do we use our words to create, inspire and guide?
My intention is for the latter. This play has allowed me a grand opportunity to clear misconceptions about not only Islam and Muslims but also Americans as well.
Writing has also made me a better man by forcing me to confront my own demons and refine my own understanding of the world.
With my writing, my law practice and my activism, ultimately I want to "help people." Leave the world a better place and contribute something positive knowing my time was not squandered or wasted.
This can be achieved by having an open mind, an open heart and extending my hand in friendship to the least likely of friends.
Name
Dave
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Profession
Question
Do you have any say or opinion in casting the actors who perform your play on stage?
Answer
I actually have more influence than most writers, and I think my director and producer and cast for allowing the opportunity to participate in production of this play.
We just finished our audition process - a nearly 5 month long session in which we saw more than 100 actors in New York!
It was truly inspiring to see the diversity of individuals who tried out and to witness the excitement of Muslim, Arab, South Asian and Middle Eastern actors who finally auditioned for a play that showed the complex realities of our existence and didn't portray us as taxi drivers, 7-11 owners or terrorists.
I have been very hands on during the pre production and production aspects of the play.
We are a true grassroots, independent production. So the playwright not only helps in the casting, but also drives the U-Haul truck, substitutes for the actors when they are sick, makes chai for the cast, helps with the publicity and so forth.
The New York cast will be announced in a week. Stay tuned and check out our website, www.domesticcrusaders.com for information!
Name
Rawda
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Profession
Question
Do you plan to write another play after the success of The Domestic Crusaders? If yes, what will be the focus of your next project?
Answer
Rawda, great question.
Many times I think I'm a one play duck. That Domestic Crusaders is my first and last venture.
However, 3 years ago I wrote another play entitled "UnWholly Warriors" which was a very over the top, politically incorrect satire lampooning the Bush Administration, Right Wing Media, racism, war hysteria, national security measures and so forth.
We premiered it as a staged reading in Davis, California.
I used my law professors and law students as actors.
It was received with great applause and a lot of love.
I also have an idea for a sequel to "The Domestic Crusaders" that explores the lives of the characters a few years down the line.
I've written most of it in my head but have yet to crank it out on page...inshallah, we shall see.
I have been dabbling with others forms as well. I just wrote and published my first short story, "Ramadan Blues," in a fantastic short story anthology - Pow Wow. http://goatmilk.wordpress.com/2009/01/22/ramadan-blues-a-short-story-by-wajahat-ali/
I will also start writing a novel inshallah after the play premieres in the fall.
Name
Editor
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Profession
Question
Editor -
I would like to thank Mr. Wajahat Ali for taking the time to answer the questions of IslamOnline.net readers, and all those who participated in this live dialogue.
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