Najee Mondalek

Najee Mondalek

Najee Mondalek is an Arab-American actor who "has been called the Jerry Seinfeld of Arab-American culture."[1]

Contents

Biography

Born in Lebanon, Najee Mondalek grew up in a dreadful and unsecured environment where he spent much of his early childhood witnessing Lebanon's civil war. In Jdeidet Marjeyoun, he was the villagers' imitator who provided an opportunity to appreciate laughter in the midst of terror. It was not until 1985, as a teenager of 19 years old, that he immigrated to the United States where he attended Macomb Community College and swapped humorous stories about Arab culture with other Lebanese Students at the school's student center. He received an Associate Degree from Macomb Community College in 1988 and later that year enrolled in Wayne State University, where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications in 1992. In 1997 he earned his Master's degree in Virtual Reality, 3D Animation and Visualization from the Academy of Art College in San Francisco and he returned to Michigan to work for GM (General Motors) as a virtual-reality engineer.

Career

Throughout hardship and hard work, Najee has remained true to his dream of becoming a successful writer, producer, actor and director. The "roar of the crowd" keeps him going. In 1988 he founded the AJYAL Theatrical Group— the first Arab-American theatrical group to "take the show on the road" and perform for Arab-American audiences in The United States, Canada, Australia and the Middle East. The group's work is very popular in Arab-American communities because its plays focus on the struggles and everyday problems that Arab-Americans face in the US. The everyday lives of Arab-American, their mistakes and mishaps constitute the subject of Ajyal Theatrical Group' shows. The plays serve as a forum to come to terms with social issues facing Arab-Americans, such as their difficulties adjusting to a new culture and lifestyle. These performances are an important piece of the fabric of Arab-American culture.

Ajyal has been the one constant for Mondalek. He writes a new show nearly every year. In September 1994, his theatrical life underwent a transformation. The centerpiece of his creative life, Im Hussein has become his Dame Edna, starring in six hit comedic plays since "Smile You Are in America," a comedy about immigrants trying to adjust to their new country. The main character was an older woman named Im Hussein. Three days before the first performance the father of the actress playing Im Hussein died. Mondalek couldn't find anyone to replace her. Thinking about Robin Williams as Mrs. Doubtfire and Dustin Hoffman as Tootsie, Mondalek took the part himself.

Works

What a Shame

"Arabic قصّتنا قصّة حكايتنا جرصة" "translit: 8ossotna 8osa, 7kayetna Jorsa" was the first show performed by Ajyal Theatrical Group on May 12, 1989. Around that time in Lebanon there was a big problem: civil war. But people who might have been at each other's throats in Lebanon were getting along just fine in America, and the first play Mondalek wrote was about that subject: Why people in Lebanon seemed unable to get together. The play was written in Arabic; its title in English was "What a Shame."

Students Nowadays

"Arabic تلاميذ آخر زمن" "translit: Talameez Akher Zaman" was scheduled to be performed in August 1990, but it coincided with the invasion of Kuwait and was postponed February 1991, but again was postponed due to the was in the Middle East. So many attempts were made to reschedule this show, but something always worked against it. In the end, the group decided to wrap up this play, and the show was never performed. Five years later, on April 19, 1995 the group was scheduled to meet in the evening to discuss the possibility of performing this show again. That day, the federal building in Oklahoma city was bombed! The meeting was canceled, and no one in the group ever talked about this show again.

Honest Thieves

"Arabic حاميها حراميها" "translit: 7ameeha 7arameeha" was performed in the fall of 1991. The show proved to be very dramatic and political. It proved to be untimely due to Desert Storm and repercussions felt in Arab-American communities around the United States. The show was a musical drama and was a collaboration project between AJYAL Theatrical Group and Alanwar Dance Group. It was written and directed by Najee Mondalek.

Smile You'Re in Dearborn

"Arabic إبتسم أنت في ديربورن" "translit: Ibtasim Anta fee Dearborn" premiered on June 1993 in Dearborn, Michigan. It was the first play that AJYAL Theatrical Group presents that deal with social and cultural issues facing the Arab-American citizens in the United States. The show was videotaped but never been released. It was written and directed by Najee Mondalek.

Smile You're in America

"Arabic إبتسم أنت في أميركا" "translit: Ibtasim Anta fee America" is the most popular show of AJYAL Theatrical Group. The famous "Im Hussein" character was introduced to the audience for the first time. Mondalek started playing the essay immigrant in drag when the actress playing the part left the first play after her father died. Out of necessity, Najee became Im Hussein, and the audience began its love affair with "her." The show premiered Saturday September 10, 1994 in Dearborn (Michigan) and was performed in 1994-1995 season. Written and directed by Najee Mondalek, It was the first show that AJYAL Theatrical Group released on videotape in June 1995 and on DVD in March 2005.

We Became American, Finally

"Arabic تأمركنا يا سندي" "translit: T2amrakna ya Sanadee" was performed in 1996-1997 season. When Im Hussein and Bou Hussein, her husband of 40 years, finally become American citizens, they resolve to blend into their new culture. Bou Hussein updates his wardrobe and decided to buy a jazzy American cars to make himself attractive to the opposite sex. After all, being an American male means having a female "side dish." Yes, Bou Hussein goes looking for a girlfriend! Meanwhile, Im Hussein is too busy to immediately notice what is going on under her nose, because she insists on blending into mainstream America herself. That means driving and owning her first car, having the use of a cell phone at her fingertips, and securing all the credit cards she can get. Not to mention becoming a power shopper, true to the finest American female traditions. Along the way, the paths of this popular husband and wife duo are littered with complications, language mix-ups, and hilarious adjustments to American customs. Receiving U.S. citizenship takes on entirely new comedy dimensions with "We Became American". The show is the most hilarious and successful one that AJYAL Theatrical Group had ever performed. It was a sold-out show in every city that the group performed in. That includes Detroit, Houston, Portland, Toronto, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Toledo, & Ottawa. The show was written and directed by Najee Mondalek and it was released on videotape in June 1998 and on DVD in March 2005.

Come See ... Come Saw

"Arabic تعا تفرّج تعا شوف" "translit: Ta3a Tfarraj Ta3a Chouf" was performed in the 1998-1999 season in Detroit, Houston, Toronto, San Francisco, Los Angeles & Ottawa. Written and directed by Najee Mondalek, the show has not been released yet. It's a very simple comedy portraying hundreds of newcomers who have faced some kind of problem with learning a new language and culture. Their mannerisms and slips-of-the-tongue carry humorous overtones. "Break a leg" is a term used in show business to wish a good luck to an actor or theatrical group. The "AJYAL Theatrical Group" don't like to use this term anymore. Two nights before the premier of "Come See.. Come Saw" in Detroit- Michigan, "Im Elias" (played by Michael Mondalek), had a car accident and broke her leg! She ended up performing her part on crutches. The show was a mix of skits and stand-up performances by Im Hussein, Im Elias and Abou Hussein.

Habby Bairday

"Arabic هبّي باردي" "translit: Habby Bairday" premiered Saturday 19, 2000. More than a stage play surrounding the principal characters of past shows, "Habby Bairday" dazzled the audience with colorful stage sets, creatively choreographed dances, a cast of more than 38, and a reprise of familiar skits from previous shows. All designed to celebrate the 10th birthday of AJYAL's first theatrical production in the United States. Im Hussein, the central character, reigned supremely funny, playing off her familiar cast mates. In a broader sweep, Najee punctuates the production with poignant, thought-provoking moments. In all, it was - and is - a birthday worth celebrating over and over again. The production was performed in Michigan, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. The show was written and directed by Najee Mondalek, and was released on videotape in December 2001, and on DVD in March 2005.

Me No Terrorist

"Arabic أنا مش إرهابية" "translit: Ana Mich Irhabeeya" is a "Comedy that teaches that not all Arabs are bad guys"[2] 9/11 made an indelible impression not only on Americans but on people all over the world. "It launched a new era of anti-terrorism efforts that have touched virtually every area of our lives. While it is uncertain at this time if this horrific event will generate a genre of terrorism plays, certain residual effects will be present in the theater for years to come."[3]

"Me No Terrorist" was written, amazingly, in May 2001, well before the bombing of the United States landmarks. The comedy was written because prior to September 11, Arab-Americans were routinely stopped at American airports and often detained without being told why. The "secret evidence" excuse caused many Arab Americans to feel singled out as terrorists. The play was scheduled to premier on November 11, 2001. "Me No Terrorist" was the original title. After 9/11, however, the company (NGM Entertainment) decided it was not wise to produce—or promote—such a theatrical production with that name. Najee decided to change the title to "Innocent ... but Guilty," but the show finally premiered in May 2002, conveying a message to Arab Americans to be proud of who they are, and to reject the blanket notion that Arab Americans are all covert terrorists.

In "Me No Terrorist," a chance encounter with an FBI agent opens the door to a humorous spin on the new laws of the land, starting with Im Hussein's mispronunciation of the word "tourist." When the agent thinks Im Hussein said "terrorist," he arrests her. For Im Hussein and her cast it becomes a delightful comedy of errors, all too familiar with laugh-a-minute audiences worldwide. "'Me No Terrorist' is a 'Monty Python-meets-'Three's Company" satire of bureaucracy and cultural manners."[4] This highly popular comedy was performed in May and October 2002 at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan. In 2003-2004 season, AJYAL Theatrical Group performed the show in Lebanon (for 6 months), Ottawa, Windsor, Montreal, Toronto, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago and Sydney (Australia). The waس written by Najee Mondalek and directed by Ray Alcodray. It was released on DVD on March 2005.

Arabic and Broud

" Arabic عربي و راسي مرفوع" "translit: 3arabee w Rasee Marfou3" was written by Najee Mondalek and directed by Ray Alcodray and was performed during the 2005-2006 season in Michigan, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Sydney (Australia). For the beloved Im Hussein, who seems to court trouble innocently, the road to rehabilitation is paved with good intentions. Having been arrested and jailed for 10 months in "Me No Terrorist," she arrives home determined to make a positive contribution to society. She and her good friend, Im Elias decide to start an organization for young Arab Americans with goals of projecting a positive image of Arabs and educating Americans about the Arab culture and people. As usual, Im Hussein has good intentions, but in typical fashion, her knowledge of English proves to be herdownfall. When it comes to writing the Articles of Incorporation for her new organization, she and Im Elias encounter difficulties beyond their imagination. Somehow, in naming the organization in Arabic and translating it word for word into English, they arrive at the name "Kill Organization." The objectives -again confused in translation- are to recruit Arab Americans to sacrifice their lives for their country, and teach the world a lesson about Arabs. Needles to say, errors abound, making a situation that is alternately humorous and sobering. When they forward their application to the state and city offices, the offices notify the authorities, including none other than the FBI. Just what Im Hussein needs! "Arabic and Broud" was released on DVD in 2007.

Shoufou Alwawa Wayn

"Arabic شوفو الواوا وين" (Where Does It Hurt) is the latest comedy by AJYAL Theatrical Group. The show premiered October 29,30 and 31, 2010 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn (Michigan). Just when we thought that Im Hussein, Im Elias and their families were finally settled into the American way of life and had put all of their troubles behind them, the global economy takes a nosedive. What to do? If you've been following their comical cultural adjustments to American life, you can anticipate some hilarious situations in “Shoufou Alwawa Wayn” (Where Does It Hurt?) when they face foreclosure and a host of related money problems.

Im Hussein’s son, Hussein, who is four falafels short of being a financial wizard, single-handedly takes to rescuing the family business woes. He attempts to put some convoluted money-making schemes into action, however, that end up making the global financial crisis look like child’s play. Shoufou Alwawa Wayn is a classic comedy involving family bickering, murder threats, business bankruptcy, the loss of thousands of dollars, and Im Elias and Im Hussein swapping identities to foil yet another problem.

“Shoufou Alwawa Wayn" written by Najee Mondalek, and directed by Aziz Charabaty will be performed in 2010, 2011, and 2012 in many cities in USA, Canada and Australia. The show will be released on DVD in December 2012.

External links

Notes

  1. ^ Bakri, Lama. "Plays Takes Jab at Newcomers," The Detroit News, June 26, 1998: 3D
  2. ^ Hagedorn, Emily. "Drama Takes Terror our of Terrorism," The Detroit News, May 24, 2004: 1E
  3. ^ Mondalek, Najee. "Judging a Book by Its Cover," American Theater, Vol. 19, No. 7, September 2002
  4. ^ Elder, Robert K. "Humor Conveys 'Me No Terrorist's' Serious Message," Chicago Tribune, April 21, 2004: 6

References

Hagedorn, Emily. "Drama Takes Terror Out of Terrorism," The Detroit News, May 24, 2004: (1E and 5E).

Elder, Robert K. "Humor Conveys 'Me No Terrorist's' Serious Message," Chicago Tribune, April 21, 2004: (1 and 6).

Kohn, Martin F. "Found in Translation," Detroit Free Press, October 10, 2002.

"'Me No Terrorist' on Stage in Dearborn," The Arab American News, Vol. 19, No. 869, October 5–11, 2002.

Mondalek, Najee. "Judging a Book By Its Cover," American Theatre, published by Theatre Communications Group, Vol. 19, No. 7, September 2002.

Jacobs, Darren. "Comedic Play Headed to Civic Center Stage," Community Bridges, May 2002.

Bakri, Lama. "Play Takes Jab at Newcomers," The Detroit News, June 26, 1998.

جان قسّيس، "المسرحية القادمة من بلاد العم سام." النهار. الدليل/العدد ٥٥٩/ الجمعة ١٧ تشرين الأول ٢٠٠٣

اسكندر داغر، "الأخوان مندلق ثنائي كوميدي وصلا من ميشيغان وأصبحا نجمين." الأسبوع العربي، ١ كانون الأول ٢٠٠٣

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جوسلين الحاج، "حلم إم حسين." الأخبار، الأربعاء ٢٦ أيار ٢٠٠٤

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محمد العزيز، "فرقة مسرح أجيال من ديترويت إلى كاليفورنيا ... مساحة الإبداع مساحة الإحتراف ..." العربي الأميركي، ٥ تشرين الثاني ١٩٩٧

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