The Festival "Almahrajan" Act I

Is Arabic Culture alive and well in Southern California? The following scenes from a two hour musical play demonstrate that it is alive and thriving. The performers are American kids of Arabic heritage who had little or no theatrical experience at all, but supported by the very talented Zahra Trougy, Fareed Rays and Laureta Ghoulam.
Adapted from a play by Amira Asslay, Hammam Shafie wrote and directed it. Fahim Alsadi composed the music and single handedly accompanied it. Additional music by Dr. Sami Farge, and additional choreography and star performances by Adam Basma and Yahya Nasralla.
The play was produced by Ferial Masry to educate her students of Arabic school the values and beauty of their ancestry ever tarnished image.
Although the video is of a poor quality which was not the intended medium for a stage play, however, the content is superb.

This is a play about what most emigrants go through. Having kids that are borne and raised in the USA, and the inability to provide for their basic needs can be devastating. With poor job skills and little command of the language and the culture, identity crises are a constant struggle. Living in familiar places with the support of family and friends can be very comforting and providing basic needs is rarely an issue. However, the opportunities to excel in whatever endeavor you chose are scares. Off you go to the new world seeking to reach the pinnacle of your goal, only to learn that it would cost you handsomely. What seems to be to the average American as a routine trend of character, to the newly arrived emigrants it is humiliating. Have had or would have to compromise your values and virtues and scum to the abyss of the low and down trodden is a very compelling matter. The fear of the devil's web hunts every thought and literally cripples every move. Now you are at the juncture where the road forks and you take the one less traveled, to find out that you are duped. Wherever you came from or wherever you are going is one of the same. The road is camouflaged and festooned with the colors of your own insight and the destination is nothing but a mirage.

Nevertheless, as the Arabic proverb says: "Man Sara Ala Aderb Wasel, Wa Man Jed Wajed". Translation: With diligence, consistency and hard work, he who seek shell find.

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• Musical
• Play
• Arabic
• Culture