Beyond Sacred — an interview-based theatre production exploring the diverse experiences of Muslim communities within New York City — comes to the Charles B. Wang Center Theater on Wednesday, April 6, at 6 pm.
The five cast members vary in many ways, but share the common experience of coming of age in a post-9/11 New York City, at a time of increasing Islamophobia. Participants come from a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and include young men and women that reflect a wide range of Muslim identities, including those who have converted to Islam; those who were raised Muslim, but have since left the faith; those who identify as “culturally” Muslim; and those who are observant on a daily basis.
Beyond Sacred is part of Ping Chong + Company’s Undesirable Elements project, an oral history theater project exploring issues of culture, identity and difference in the lives of individuals in specific communities. The production was developed through a community-engaged process wherein Ping Chong + Company extensively interviewed local community members, who then become the performers. These interviews became the basis of the show’s script, which weaves together personal, historical and political narratives. The goal of Beyond Sacred is to use theater and personal testimony to foster greater understanding between Muslim and non-Muslim communities in New York and beyond.
General admission tickets are $10; student/senior tickets are $5. To purchase tickets, visit thewangcenter.org.
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