What a play, what a play. Act III is an absolute punch to the gut, even in the reading of it. I can't imagine seeing this play performed, but I'm sure the experience is unforgettable...We're dealing with Post-9/11 issues of Muslim identity and the role of art (and representation) in forming/deconstructing/exploding that identity, and, goodness gracious, does Akhtar pack a heckuva lot into 90 minutes. In spite of many negative reviews I found here, I think this play deserves five stars.I have lived away from my homeland almost all my life, and struggled with mentality, tradition and religion since always. It's like I never fit anywhere, because I'm too balkanic for the West, and too western for the Balkans. And that's exactly the protagonist's problem. He wants to condemn the way of life that has pushed his parents to emigrate, and embrace the western way to the point of denying and criticizing everything about his religion and heritage. The western way has brought him success and comfort, while the Muslim way, he says, is only fit for life in the desert in the VIII century.Of course, as it usually goes, running away from oneself is a much more complex and difficult task, as the protagonist (and all of us coming from countries with conflict) learns throughout the play, especially in a post-9/11 America.A terrific read.
Do You like book Disgraced (2013)?
Unbelievably powerful and profound. I am shattered and without words. So very heart rending.
—A_A
One of the best plays I have ever read. No wonder it won the Pulitzer, and deservedly too.
—sg11751
This is worth a read. It can be read in one sitting. But be ready to be shaken up.
—PureBerserker7
