“Dunia, an Ex-Muslim Woman’s Story” is being presented at 7:30 p.m. through Saturday in Kansas State University’s Purple Masque Theatre in East Stadium. Admission is free and a talk back will be conducted after each performance.
The play is written by Joanna Abillama, a master’s student in drama therapy, District of Columbia. It is the story of Dunia Najjar, who seems like a good Muslim girl: modest, studios, and responsible. But she is hiding many secrets from those around her. When Dunia runs away from home, her two closest friends start suspecting that perhaps her family is more than just a little strict. What do you do when your personal beliefs clash with those of your family and society, and when the consequences of disobedience are severe? How can you reconcile desiring a different life with maintaining a sense of belonging?
The following students are cast members:
Mary Wahlmeier, senior in music, Burlington, as thestudent/other woman; Tim Tarkelly, master’s student in drama therapy, Chanute, as the father; David Burdett, senior in theatre, Larned, male chorus.
From Manhattan: LaVonne Canfield, master’s student in theatre, as Aminia; Meghan Misenhelter, master’s student in drama therapy, as mother; and Katie Sigman, master’s student in gerontology, as doctor/student.
Olivia Bennett, senior in communication science and disorders, Troy, Sara.
From out of state:
Mark Hay, senior in theatre, Thousand Oaks, California, male chorus; Samantha Hindle, master’s student in drama therapy, Hyannis, Massachusetts, double; Erica Ruscio, master’s student in English, Middlesex, New York, as Nawal; and Ellen Burke, master’s student in drama therapy, Dunia, Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, as Dunia.