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Shahzaib who wears a Pagg and Ahmed who is Muslim find themselves meeting under normal eight-year-old boy circumstances, they are neighbors. Unfortunately, because of a century’s old history between these two historic groups they are not allowed by their families to be friends. As children the boys don’t understand and so, they decide that they will be friends anyway, doing what little boys do. They secretly play football over the fence in the back yard, they talk at school and soon their friendship begins to feel like a brotherhood. But when Ahmed’s father finds out they have been communicating he is forbidden to talk to Shahzaib. This begins an argument between the now teenage boys focusing on the question, “When will Ahmed be old enough to stand up to his father?” And can Shahzaib respect that Ahmed can’t disobey his parents’ wishes just to be his friend?” To that both boys shamefully admit that they just can’t do that. But eventually the teenage boys become men, Shahzaib becomes a professor and Ahmed an activist. When a protest brings Ahmed to Shahzaib’s college campus he jokingly tells him to call when he gets arrested. But he’s proud of Ahmed, not only did he find his voice but he now stands proud leading with it. Unfortunately, it is on this night that what started out as a peaceful protest evolves into violence from both sides with the police in the middle. The men have finally found their voice and sadly the time may have come too soon for one of those voices to be silenced forever. A story about the powerful strength of friendship and how it is possible to overcome generational differences to see opposing forces as allies rather than enemies.

Brothers of a Different Blood

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  • (Scene opens with Shahzaib, 30s, wears a Pagg, a man of Sikhism faith stands holding a bag with him. He opens it and peers inside; its contents are very important. Then he closes it and sits it on a chair as he begins praying silently in a corner of the room as Ahmed, 30s, simple, Muslim watches Shahzaib intently, with great sadness.)

     

    Ahmed: (to audience) How did we get here? How did I get to this place and Shahzaib, he’s so heartbroken. Our parents told us our “kinds” were never to be friends, never to speak, never to connect or communicate with one another and under no circumstances were we ever to become (beat) practically brothers. “Do you understand me, Ahmed? I mean never… ever.” I’ll always hear my father saying that and I… I’ll always hear myself fighting- debating on if I would tell the truth or tell a lie. The truth or a lie. (beat. Shahzaib has joined Ahmed side by side as if they are both talking to their own parents)

    Ahmed: I decided on…

    Shahzaib/ Ahmed:  A lie. (shameful for both of them) “Yes, father I would never disgrace you or our family name by talking to (they turn towards each other) Someone like him.

    (Shahzaib retreats back into the room as Ahmed takes his place laying in the bed, his eyes closed, he is really sick. Shahzaib takes Ahmed’s hand.)

    Shahzaib: (in a whisper) Come on friend. I’m here. You have to pull through. I told you not to go, not to do it but you- you never listen. (beat, smiles) Wow, remember how we met?

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