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01/08/2023

Artists Repertory Theatre - 'American Fast' at Ellen Bye Studio Theater, Opening January 7, 2023

By JOHN RUDOFF //

American Fast, by Kareem Fahmy
Director-- Chip Miller

Khady - Jessica Damouni
Gabe - Anthony Michael Shepard
Coach - Victoria Alvarez-Chacon
Suzan - DreSlaman


Khady the American basketball player, ambitious and driven, is as fast on the make as she is on the court. This is by no means an insult. Her motives are the key into this new play, all four of whose people are propelled by many and sometimes conflicting passions.

The arc of the play is straightforward: a talented young American Muslim student moves towards basketball stardom. She wants to satisfy the demands of her coach, boyfriend, mother, religion, and fan-public, but first of all to satisfy her own inner watch-spring. Intractable conflict ensues.

Why and from whom does Khady most seek approval -- mother, coach, or boyfriend? Does Gabe primary want superiority, sex, forgiveness, or a second chance? Whom does her mother Suzan most revere – Allah, her relationship with her daughter, or American normalcy? Does Coach want to develop athlete character and excellence, or a donor base?

This wonderfully multi-layered play by Kareem Fahmy is an Artists Rep Theater commission and part of the National New Play Network (NNPN) and Rolling World Premiere. It will also open in Pittsburg and Philadelphia.

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