Khamaseen
During the khamaseen, Egypt's annual sandstorm, when the air is thick with dust and aggravation, Donna moves to Cairo with her husband, Pete, who sees it as an opportunity for career advancement. We quickly learn that life was not peaceful for the couple in America and now in culture shock and feeling isolated in a country she has been warned to fear, Donna tries to cope with an abusive marriage complicated by her new found pregnancy. In a last ditch attempt to dispel her fears and understand the Egyptian culture, Donna befriends her maid, Helwa, and discovers a wonderful, gentle and loving people who ultimately and metaphorically purge her of the curse of her abusive marriage, empowering her to continue on in Egypt as an independent, strong woman. Although dealing with serious subject matter, Khamaseen is shot through with humor, music, belly dancing and hope for the future. The author's four year experience living and teaching in Cairo provides real-life insight for his characters who quickly dispel common stereotypes about the Egyptian people and their culture.
Premiere - American University in Cairo
Published - Plays International Magazine
Blinding sandstorms, ritual magic. A culture-shocked, expatriate woman finds acceptance amidst the intensely exciting, sensory overload of modern Cairo. Alive with belly-dancing, music, and “sparking dialogue shot through with jokes about language and miscommunication”.
- Middle East Times -
