The House of Grandma Hanem by Adam Ashraf Elsayigh

The House of Grandma Hanem tells the story of gay yet closeted Sherif who starts a pro-science, pro-human rights Youtube Vlog in conservative-Muslim Cairo, Egypt. When his Vlog goes viral, Sherif leaves his family with the decision to denounce one of their own, or support him and shame the name of the family. Simultaneously, his cousin, Sara, faces a question of faith and attempts to reconcile her understanding...
The House of Grandma Hanem tells the story of gay yet closeted Sherif who starts a pro-science, pro-human rights Youtube Vlog in conservative-Muslim Cairo, Egypt. When his Vlog goes viral, Sherif leaves his family with the decision to denounce one of their own, or support him and shame the name of the family. Simultaneously, his cousin, Sara, faces a question of faith and attempts to reconcile her understanding of religion when she falls in love with the secular, white German study abroad student in her university in Egypt.
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

The House of Grandma Hanem

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear:
    1 Aug. 2020
    “ A truly remarkable exploration of freedom and acceptance in a culture that doesn't allow it. Incredibly powerful and moving, this will not leave you. Fantastic work! ”
  • Nick Malakhow:
    28 Jun. 2020
    “ Adam Ashraf Elsayigh has created such a dynamic and impeccably-drawn ensemble of characters. Even with the sizeable cast, each character had a distinct voice, a complete arc, and nuanced development. So much is explored here--generational differences and divides, tradition vs. culture, identity and the complexities of living in a place that can feel at war with your emerging sense of who you are. It is all explored through a brilliant mosaic of surprising and human character interactions. Hanem's house and what becomes of it is a beautiful and poignant central image/event. I'd love to see this live! ”

Maggie. 47, female, Sherif’s mother, an aristocratic jewelry maker;
Yaser. 49, male, Sherif’s father, policeman;
Sherif. 22, male, gay, goes to the American University in Cairo;
Mahasin. 44, female, maid, has been serving the Mansouri family for 32 years;
Sara. 22, female, Sherif’s cousin;
Sameh. 46, male, Sara’s father;
Mona. 19, female, Mahasin’s daughter, incredibly ambitious;
Omar. 19, male, Sara’s brother;
Hanem. 71, female, stern, tough-headed, old matriarch of the Mansouri family;

Kevin. 24, male, American student in the American University in Cairo;
Botros, 24, male, government worker;

Omar, Kevin and Botros could be played by the same actor.

All actors should be of Middle Eastern descent.

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Theater for the New City's Dream Festival
    ,
    2016
  • Reading
    ,
    Tisch School of the Arts’ Department of Dramatic Writing
    ,
    2016
  • Workshop
    ,
    NYU Abu Dhabi’s Student-Led Program
    ,
    2015