“Noor" to Open
Dialogue on Islam at American University
Washington, DC: “Noor,”
a play on contemporary Islam by Ambassador Akbar Ahmed, Ibn
Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies at American University, will
be performed by local actors as a staged reading on November
19 and 20 at 8 p.m. in the Abramson Family Recital Hall at
American University’s Katzen Arts Center. The play is
co-produced by AU’s School of International Service
and Theater J. The readings will be followed by discussions
on contemporary Islam with a distinguished panel of media
and spiritual and political leaders.
“Noor” is the story of three Muslim brothers who
try to rescue their sister, Noor, who was kidnapped during
Ramadan. The Washington Post hailed “Noor” as
“a paean to religious tolerance.” It was first
performed in July during Theater J’s “Voices From
a Changing Middle East” series, part of the summer’s
Capital Fringe Festival.
Ahmed is the former high commissioner of Pakistan to Great
Britain and has advised Prince Charles and met with President
George W. Bush on Islam. According to the BBC, he is considered
“the world’s leading authority on contemporary
Islam.” Ahmed has written more than 30 books and is
regularly interviewed on CNN, CBC, BBC and has appeared several
times on the Oprah Winfrey Show and Nightline. In 2006, he
won the Purpose Prize Award with Dr. Judea Pearl for their
work on interfaith dialogue.
Both theatrical readings will be followed by a discussion
of the play and contemporary Islam moderated by Theater J’s
Artistic Director Ari Roth. Panelists for the discussions
include Mahmud Ali Durrani, Pakistan ambassador to the United
States; John Chane, bishop of Washington at the National Cathedral;
Tony Blankley, syndicated columnist and senior fellow at the
Heritage foundation; Matt Frei, anchor, BBC America; Nora
Boustany, Washington Post columnist and Leon Harris, host
of ABC-7’s Capital Sunday.
American University is a leader in global education, enrolling
a diverse student body from throughout the US and nearly 150
countries. Located in Washington, DC, the university provides
opportunities for academic excellence, public service and
internships in the nation’s capital and around the world.
www.american.edu.
DETAILS: Tickets are $15 adults; $10 AU community and seniors
and $5 for students. They are available for purchase at http://american.tix.com;
by calling 202-885-ARTS (2787) or in person at the Katzen
Ticket Office located in the main lobby of the Katzen Arts
Center. The box office is open Monday – Saturday, 11
a.m. – 5 p.m. and one hour prior to curtain.
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