InterAct Theatre Company is embarking on an important artistic journey with the premiere of its latest production, ‘On My Deen,’ which highlights the stories of Black Muslims born and raised in Philadelphia.
Scheduled to launch on June 6 and running through June 28, this world premiere marks a revolutionary step in storytelling within the city’s vibrant theater scene.
Seth Rozin, the artistic director of InterAct, recognized a significant gap in representation, noting that narratives from home-grown Black Muslims were rarely, if ever, seen on stage.
“They’re home-grown,” Rozin emphasized, pointing to the distinct backgrounds and experiences of these individuals, who often go unnoticed despite being a fundamental part of the fabric of Philadelphia.
‘On My Deen’ is the first production in InterAct’s three-year initiative called the Philly Cycle, which aims to spotlight various underrepresented communities of the city.
The initiative is aptly branded as ‘The City You Know, the People You Don’t,’ aiming to uncover stories that have long been overlooked.
With the financial support of a $650,000 grant from the William Penn Foundation, InterAct is set to connect with three diverse underrepresented groups over three years, producing a play each year.
Next year, the cycle will focus on Philadelphia’s Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Laotian communities, culminating in 2027 with a play about nurses.
The artistic team for ‘On My Deen’ includes director Amina Robinson and co-producer Theatre in the X, a group rooted in West Philadelphia’s Malcolm X Park, a significant location associated with Black Muslim history.
Malcolm X himself was a renowned advocate for Islam within the Black community and played a key role in establishing Islam Temple 12 in Philadelphia.
Rozin pointed out that the visibility of the Muslim community is significant in Philadelphia, stating, “You walk almost anywhere in the city, you will see people – women in head scarves.”
However, misconceptions about this community abound.
Rozin explained that many people associate Muslims mainly with immigrant populations or specific geographic regions and often overlook home-grown communities.
He highlighted how perceptions on both sides of the political spectrum often distort the realities of everyday Black Muslims.
“They just go about their business, living and going about their faith and participating in city life as regular people,” Rozin stated, emphasizing their integral role in the community.
Estimates of the Muslim population in the Philadelphia area vary widely, with some suggesting around 300,000 people.
The Pew Research Center, however, estimates the number to be around 60,000, accounting for roughly 1% of the metropolitan area’s population.
The Philadelphia region has historical significance in the development of Islam in the United States, particularly among African Americans.
According to playwright Antu Yacob, many African Americans were introduced to Islam through the Nation of Islam, especially during the 1960s.
The Nation of Islam played a critical role in empowering Black individuals and fostering a sense of self-worth during a period when societal perceptions were starkly negative.
As Islam’s presence in the U.S. developed, the African-American Muslim community saw shifts towards Sunni and other sects.
This historical context finds its way into ‘On My Deen,’ particularly in the life journey of the central character, Faye Ann.
Her story parallels the transformation of Islam over decades, interweaving themes of love and faith.
Co-starring is Michael, Faye Ann’s best friend, whose desire for a deeper relationship adds tension to their evolving connection amid changing beliefs.
Their relationship spans from 1962 to 2013, exploring the meaning of liberation for Black individuals, with Faye Ann finding her sense of freedom through her faith while Michael grapples with their differences.
The title ‘On My Deen’ reflects the Islamic concept of one’s religious path, invigorating the narrative with personal and spiritual exploration.
Yacob, who has a rich background that intertwines multiple faiths, describes her journey in a unique light.
She was born in Ethiopia, attended an Islamic school, and after her family’s move to the U.S., they joined the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Later on, her mother reverted to Islam, empowering Yacob and her siblings to choose their own paths in spirituality.
Yacob, currently a teacher at Rutgers University, describes her identity as a continually evolving Muslim.
To ensure authentic representation, Rozin and Yacob engaged deeply with the local Muslim community during the play’s development.
They collaborated with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and visited local mosques to build connections and gather stories.
Rozin noted that some Muslims may hesitate to engage with theatrical productions due to concerns about content.
This awareness shaped the writing process as well as the scheduling of performances.
To be considerate of prayer times, Saturday shows for ‘On My Deen’ have been shifted to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
“We wanted to show that we are serious about this, and we want them to come and engage with us,” he remarked on making the play accessible to the community.
As part of InterAct’s tradition, talkback sessions will follow many shows, with Saturday discussions centered on themes from the play, while Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday presentations will feature guests from the Muslim community.
Special events include a Black affinity night on June 19 and a Muslim Affinity Day on June 22.
‘On My Deen’ stands as a testament to InterAct’s commitment to telling diverse and necessary stories, creating a platform for voices that reflect the rich tapestry of Philadelphia’s communities.
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