Audience Response
"Domestic Crusaders is an intimate look at a post 9/11 Pakistani-American
family...the humor, wit, angst, pain, wis-dom and cultural metamorphosis of a
first generation mom, dad, grandfather, daughter and two sons. It is a poignantly
written play and the recent first-time reading was remarkably moving. The believeableness
of the characters pulled me in from the start and the brief peek at a modern
Muslim family was invaluable insight into a life that I personally know very
little about. The readers did a fabulous job and kudos to Wajahat Ali, the writer,
brilliant work!"
- Ruth Eastman
"The Domestic Crusaders finally put into dramatic art the experienced shared
by most immigrant groups in the US. The relentless comedic relief was the only
thing that eased the very real and difficult emotional tensions, which are raised
in the play. The actors and actresses portrayed the clash between generations,
cultural customs, disappointment, failure, perspective and self-realization
with brilliant performances enabling the audience to truly relate with each
character�s unique situation in life."
- Maneeza Aminy
"Many kudos. I knew it would be good, but it exceeded even my expectations. Hakim
was awesome. See, the audience gave you a standing ovation! That should tell
you something. The actors did an impressive job, but make no mistake: the ovation
was for the playwright because the play�s the thing. Everyone I talked to and
overheard talking was just floored by how rich the material was, including myself.
People around me in audience kept saying under their breath, �This is so good!�It�s
so real it's just getting better and better. I can't believe one guy wrote all
this. And these are just a few. There was not one among our party who was
not in complete awe. Verdict? Tremendous."
- Connie Sun
"A unique perspective into the domestic life of a Pakistani and Muslim family
yet transcends those labels so people across different cultures could identify
with the complexities of the characters. Such expressions of art may be the
solution towards breaking the walls of racial understanding."
- Maroof Ahmed
"I was very impressed by the performances of actors even though they haven't
had any formal training and were first time performers...every actor had
his moment on stage when they were on fire...could just pass this message
along and let them know one more person thought they did great job."
- Saad
Siddiqui
"Are you sure you wrote it? I don't know how you could know that. It was like
a slice of life taken from reality and put on stage." Syed Naqvi "Thanks for
a wonderful creation/performance/statement. Glad to hear from Joyce that Sunday's
event went so well! And I felt privileged to watch the play on Saturday"
-
Leslie Rodd
"You did a marvelous job. Your script was very humorous, witty and at times
hilarious. I encourage you and your staff for this kind of magnificence. My
hats off to you and your staff. Job well done. Keep it up."
- Fatima Mirza
"Hi, my name is Mollie Wolf, and I saw your staged reading at the Oakland Library
last weekend. I was really impressed with your efforts, and touched by the themes
you brought up. Thank you so much, and I wish you the best of luck getting your
messages out there!"
- Mollie Wolf
"Congratulations on the debut... The reaction seemed overwhelmingly positive..."
- T. Noz
"The play overall was very enjoyable. I have received feedback about presenting
it in different states from friends... Keep up the good work."
- Reshma Yunus
"I wanted to tell you, Ms. Blank, what a good play "Domestic Crusaders" is.
I can't wait to see it continue to take shape. The characters are alive (underlined).
I think that productions like this could very well be the start of some reconciliation.
It addresses stereotypes that we as Americans are confronted with everyday.
I would like to see it again."
- stowne@berkeley.edu
"I thought the play was very thoughtful and raised issues in a non-threatening,
nonpreachy kind of way. They weren't views thrust upon the audience, heavy-handed
ideas that sometimes turn people off to a dramatic piece. When it gets to the
theater level, it looks like it should be very successful in reaching to your
community. Good stuff all around"
- Tuan Pham
"Congratulations! The play was excellent. There were many things I could relate
to. I found it hilarious. I am excited to see it in the theater!"
- Sehba
Zhumkawala
"I very proud of you for pulling off such a brilliant project. I saw only one
hour, but was very impressed."
- Kim McMillan
"I was very, very, very impressed by everything and everyone. You got
all the Desi mannerisms and details down. How did you all get so much stuff
in it?
- Ehsan Sheikh
"Play was amazing. Very, very good. We didn't expect it to be that good. We talked about it for a long time afterward."
- Constant Gaw