All Atheists Are Muslim
You may be more Muslim than you think!
written and performed by Zahra Noorbakhsh,
directed by Lisa Marie Rollins
developed with W. Kamau Bell & Martha Rynberg in the Solo Performance Workshop
“Something to believe in”
Iranian-American finds humor in faith, family
by Aline Reynolds
Read the full review at Downtown Express
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT “ALL ATHEISTS ARE MUSLIM”:
“Noorbakhsh’s show seeks to skewer stereotypes as much as it elicits laughs from them.” – The San Francisco Chronicle
“Fucking delightful! Funny, moving, and, above all…Universal.” –The Daily Californian
Can Zahra have her Atheist and stay Muslim too? You see, it’s time for Zahra and Duncan to move in together. Duncan doesn’t know this, but Zahra does. She’s sure of it… mostly. And even if she’s not 100% sure, she knows he’ll need some time ruminating, deliberating… Oops, Duncan actually said yes! And he wants to move in now! That’s OK, that’s OK. In fact, that’s good. Right? Now, Zahra just needs to mention to her parents that it makes perfect sense for Duncan to move in with her.
That’s right, she just needs to let her immigrant, Iranian, Muslim parents know that her Southern Californian, white, Atheist—non-believing, infidel— boyfriend — who she has no intention of marrying anytime soon —- should move in with her. And in the process, she doesn’t want to get disowned… or forced into an arranged marriage… or end up stoned in a ditch in her parent’s backyard. (OK, maybe she’s not so worried about that last one… The Tea Party doesn’t allow that kind of thing in Danville.)
Can Zahra do it? Come find out all this and more at the show, “All Atheists are Muslim.” You just might find out you’re more Muslim than you think.
WARNING: The first 3 rows may be converted to Islam.
Book “All Atheists Are Muslim” for your organization!
Hi Zahra,
Heard you on NPR the other day and fell in love with you. I guess I will have to stand in line.
I will be in the audience at one of your shows real soon. Look for the guy with the grey hair, jowls, and drooling profusely. Thanks so much for showing us how to laugh at ourselves and let the love flow.
Your friend and admirer,
Tom Brown
I appreciated very much the thoughtfulness and delicately expressed nuances of your piece, and the light and effortless way in which you were able to convey these very complex and contradictory ideas and emotions to multiple audiences at the same time. It has been a long time since I have been able to laugh instead of cry at the demonstration of these very complicated positions! Thank you!
Zahra, as a former Peace Corps volunteer in Iran, you helped me share a part of my experience there with my friends in a way that I couldn’t.
You tell a love story – yeah, about Duncan, but also about your mom and dad, and especially about us, your audience. Thank you for a wonderful night.
Bruce,
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer,
Taft, Iran 1972-1974
This is great!