THE BUTCHER

by Gwydion Suilebhan

In 2006, the butcher and sole proprietor of the Super Halal Market in suburban Springfield, VA ducked into the walk-in freezer to fetch some goat meat for a customer. When he returned moments later, the customer’s severed left hand lay on the floor by the meat saw, and a trail of blood led all the way out of the store. Witnesses said the customer had used the saw to cut off his own hand, proclaiming again and...

In 2006, the butcher and sole proprietor of the Super Halal Market in suburban Springfield, VA ducked into the walk-in freezer to fetch some goat meat for a customer. When he returned moments later, the customer’s severed left hand lay on the floor by the meat saw, and a trail of blood led all the way out of the store. Witnesses said the customer had used the saw to cut off his own hand, proclaiming again and again that he was “not a terrorist.” He had done it, he professed calmly, “for Allah.” But what exactly had he done? And why? In the ensuing weeks, the butcher, his wife, a reporter, and one innocent family try to make sense of this ultimately bewildering (and all too true) event.

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THE BUTCHER

Recommended by

  • Sanjit Sengupta: THE BUTCHER by Gwydion Suilebhan
    “

    An engaging script that leaves us hopeful for better understanding between people of different faiths and cultures in a divided America. The confusion of immigrants, whether to retain their cultural and religious identity, or assimilate into the dominant culture, and the confused reaction of native-born Americans towards immigrants is portrayed in an authentic manner. Great read!

    An engaging script that leaves us hopeful for better understanding between people of different faiths and cultures in a divided America. The confusion of immigrants, whether to retain their cultural and religious identity, or assimilate into the dominant culture, and the confused reaction of native-born Americans towards immigrants is portrayed in an authentic manner. Great read!

    ”
  • Emma Goldman-Sherman: THE BUTCHER by Gwydion Suilebhan
    “

    An incredibly moving play about our divided world, how we misunderstand each other and fail to listen to each other, how separate we are in our beliefs, and how hard it is to find common ground. The Butcher brings five richly-drawn characters together to provoke us theatrically through storytelling; we are all better off for the experience. Read it! Produce it! Discuss!

    An incredibly moving play about our divided world, how we misunderstand each other and fail to listen to each other, how separate we are in our beliefs, and how hard it is to find common ground. The Butcher brings five richly-drawn characters together to provoke us theatrically through storytelling; we are all better off for the experience. Read it! Produce it! Discuss!

    ”
  • Noelle Viñas: THE BUTCHER by Gwydion Suilebhan
    “

    I read this play years ago, drawn to it partially because I grew up in Springfield, VA. It moved me deeply - it is a heartfelt and truthful story about faith and community. Four years after reading it, every time I walk by a halal shop I think of this play: that is the kind of lasting impact it had. Thank you, Gwydion.

    I read this play years ago, drawn to it partially because I grew up in Springfield, VA. It moved me deeply - it is a heartfelt and truthful story about faith and community. Four years after reading it, every time I walk by a halal shop I think of this play: that is the kind of lasting impact it had. Thank you, Gwydion.

    ”
View all 12 recommendations

Character Information

There should be a bit of May-December going on between Wes and Jane, but NOT TOO MUCH. It should steer clear of creepiness. Far clear. Massoud and Sholeh, by contrast, should look like we think all long-time-married couples look: a bit like each other
  • Wes Horvath
    Her husband, also Evangelical; owns a Buick dealership
    42
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Jane Horvath
    An Evangelical housewife
    29
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Massoud Esfahani
    Muslim owner of a modest Halal butcher shop
    44
    Iranian American
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Sholeh Esfahani
    His wife, a Muslim nutrition student
    43
    Iranian American
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Deborah Niefeld
    A Jewish-atheist reporter
    32
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

  • Reading, Thrown Stone, 2017
  • Reading, Manhattan Theatre Works, 2013
  • Workshop, Gulfshore Playhouse, 2013
  • Workshop, Great Plains Theatre Conference, 2011
  • Reading, Mead Theatre Lab, 2008

Production History

  • Professional, Gulfshore Playhouse, 2015
  • Workshop, The Theatre Project/Players Theatre, 2013

Awards