The Domestic Crusaders

by Wajahat Ali

The latest McSweeney's is an interesting grab-box of small books and pamphlets.  Included in it is this play, by American-Pakistani playwright Wajahat Ali. 

Ali portrays a typical American-Pakistani family, where the parents are immigrants, and the first-generation children, entering adulthood, have to navigate two worlds.  Salman, the father has dreams for and expectations of his children that don't necessarily match reality.  Khulsoom, his wife, is similar.  Hakim, the grandfather is more of a peacemaker, but he harbours a secret that the children don't know about (at least, not until the second act).

Among the children, Sal, the oldest, has all but turned his back on the family, pursuing riches and white women.  Fatima, the daughter, has become politically active while in law school, and is now a source of embarrassment for her mother.  Ghafur, the youngest, is in university, although not in the medical school that his parents believe him to be in.

The family has gathered for Ghafur's 21st birthday, and it takes no time at all for old rivalries, unresolved resentments, and old wounds to rear their heads, in this quarrelsome and garrulous family unit.  Ali's writing is frequently funny, as the family members invoke Islam and the opinions of the community.  It seems the only thing the different family members can agree on is their portrayal in the media (CNN or Fox News are left on throughout).

Having worked with many South Asian families, the archetypes and stereotypes portrayed here are familiar to me, and the dialogue throughout this play rings true.  I hadn't expected that I would want to read this through in one sitting, but once I started reading, I couldn't put it down.