Draw the Circle

by Mashuq Mushtaq Deen

The hilarious and deeply moving story of conservative Muslim mother at her wits end, a Muslim father who likes to tell jokes, and a queer American woman trying to make a good impression on her Indian in-laws. In a story about family and love and the things we do to be together, one immigrant family must come to terms with a child who defies their most basic expectations of what it means to have a daughter... and...

The hilarious and deeply moving story of conservative Muslim mother at her wits end, a Muslim father who likes to tell jokes, and a queer American woman trying to make a good impression on her Indian in-laws. In a story about family and love and the things we do to be together, one immigrant family must come to terms with a child who defies their most basic expectations of what it means to have a daughter... and one woman will redefine the limits of unconditional love.

Told entirely from the point of view of family and friends, yet performed by Deen himself, this unique show compassionately brings to life the often ignored struggle that a family goes through when their child transitions from one gender to another.

The original version is a solo performance, but a 3-hander is also being developed. Contact the playwright's representation for more information.

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Draw the Circle

Recommended by

  • Elana Gartner: Draw the Circle by Mashuq Mushtaq Deen
    “

    This is a fascinating examination of the journey of gender transition of an Indian/Muslim from the point of view of everyone else. There were points in some of the monologues that I found myself surprised at the points it was making that I had never thought about and entirely grateful to be challenged to consider them. This is a play that needs to be seen right now. It is very timely, exposing cultural challenges on many levels.

    This is a fascinating examination of the journey of gender transition of an Indian/Muslim from the point of view of everyone else. There were points in some of the monologues that I found myself surprised at the points it was making that I had never thought about and entirely grateful to be challenged to consider them. This is a play that needs to be seen right now. It is very timely, exposing cultural challenges on many levels.

    ”
  • Matthew Freeman: Draw the Circle by Mashuq Mushtaq Deen
    “

    A beautifully written story of self-discovery and family. Intersectional, personal, uncomfortable, funny, smart. I saw a this produced and performed in Washington DC and in New York City and found it moving in both settings. Highly recommended.

    A beautifully written story of self-discovery and family. Intersectional, personal, uncomfortable, funny, smart. I saw a this produced and performed in Washington DC and in New York City and found it moving in both settings. Highly recommended.

    ”
  • Vivian Chace: Draw the Circle by Mashuq Mushtaq Deen
    “

    An excellent play that beautifully explores the process and reckoning of transition

    An excellent play that beautifully explores the process and reckoning of transition

    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Awards

  • Lambda Literary Award for Drama
    Lambda Literary
    Winner
    2018