Review Fix chats with playwright Mohammed Saad Ali about “Old Men are Full of S**t,†his new production currently running at this year’s Midtown International Theatre Festival in New York City.
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for the production? How did it all come together?
Saad Ali: The inspiration for the work came from my own experiences growing up in Brooklyn. Witnessing and knowing the different mix of people; each with their own societies and worlds, coming together and attempting to get along and live and better their lives. Their, our struggle is beautiful and truthful.
A play is like a child, it starts of with a messy ejaculation of creativity, but then through the help of a village it becomes an independent work. I wrote the original rough draft last year, then through, Robert Leibowitz’s play writing class, it was edited and made significantly better. Then with the help of Jay Michaels, it become part of the Midtown International Festival.
Review Fix: What do you think you’ve learned about yourself through this whole process?
Saad Ali: That I do my best work with a gun to my head, which is why often times it takes a village.
Review Fix: Who do you think will enjoy it the most?
Saad Ali: I am hoping everyone will enjoy it. The story is about certain group of people in Brooklyn, but their struggle is something we all can relate to. Through the characters we realize that the differences are shallow but the connections between humans, run mystically deep.
Review Fix: Tell me about the cast? What makes them so special?
Saad Ali: The cast like the work itself, is diverse, quirky, strange and energetic. Their talent and commitment to this little play is amazing and special, and for that I am eternally grateful.
Review Fix: What’s your favorite element of the show?
Saad Ali: My favorite part is, or at least what I attempted, was finding the humor in the mundane. Life would be incredibly more difficult if we all couldn’t laugh at ourselves and each other at the fact that we’re all covered with the same shit.
Review Fix: Bottom line. Why should someone see this show?
Saad Ali: For knowledge, for gaining a new perspective, for the realization that those people you buy your newspapers and coffees from are human beings just like you. Though they might seem different, their lives and struggles and hopes, are very much are like your own.
Review Fix: How do you want the production to be remembered?
Saad Ali: As honest and truthful.
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