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August 4, 2007
UK Muslims Protest 'Jihad The Musical'
International terrorism and the threat to Britain from Al-Qaeda apparently hasn't dampened British humor, and I can't help but believe that a controversial satire about Islamic terrorism including such classic tunes as "Building a bomb today, what does the manual say" and "I wanna be like Osama" is bound to be a hit:
The musical tells the story of a young Afghan peasant Sayid who dreams of making it as a flower farmer selling poppies in the West.As we've all come to expect and anticipate with bated breath, UK Muslims are condemning the play, calling Jihad the Musical a "tasteless portrayal of terrorism and its victims.His plans are thwarted by a jihadi cell seeking to blow up Western targets, in particular one in Britain known as the "Unidentified, Very Prestigious Landmark".
Sayid sings to his burkha clad mentor: "I can only see your eyes" and theatre-goers are also treated to a song called "We're going to rock the righteous, to the Jihad jive".
The story comes to a head on the night of the attack when Sayid must decide whose side he is on.
His sister eventually saves him, along with the French who sing "We turned and ran".
The Independent said: "The truth is that although the show doesn't exactly bomb, neither Zoe Samuel's lyrics nor Evan Cabnet's production are quite sharp enough to offend.
As for myself, I find Muslim extremism, terrorism, jihad, murder, and suicide - utterly "tasteless." And, I anxiously await the DVD.
Hat tip - Maggie O.
Cross posted from Hyscience
Posted by Abdul at August 4, 2007 9:35 AM