←Recommendations of American Fast

American Fast is a thrilling, fast paced examination of what it means to be true to yourself, and the difficulties that are experienced when the outside world gets in the way. The writing is sharp, the characters are deeply developed, and the story is thrilling and deeply moving. It scores like an endless string of three-pointers that leaves the audience gasping for air. Most importantly, it's a story that's not often told on stages in American yet yearns to be seen.

AMERICAN FAST works beautifully with the particular themes of religion & relationship (mother/daughter, athlete/coach, girlfriend/boyfriend, media – social & news). There are lots of challenging opportunities for designers to shine, though it’s also possible to produce this play quite simply. Good story & good plot elements coming together to form a perfect ‘trap’ for central character Khady – all this with fast pacing & a great ending! I only read AF, but would love to see a production.

Breathless as a championship game, Fahmy's script is a whirlwind look at the intersection of faith, sports, and family – how each of them shapes us into a version of ourselves, and how dangerous it can be when any deviation will occur under a watchful eye beyond our control. Enormously variable in production, four plush acting roles, and the most practical food I've seen in a script in quite some time – a strong recommendation for any company at any scale. Game on!

a confident, well-paced, humanist story with four fully realized and complex characters driving us forward. Full of empathy without holding your hand, AMERICAN FAST explores the consequences of living under the heat of the spotlight.

I was lucky enough to see this in Philadelphia. Reading it now reminded me how bold and electric this play is. A perfect blend of theatricality and athleticism. Khady is an incredible role for young Middle Eastern actresses. I want to see a full production with a marching band.

An explosive, emotional whirlwind of a play centered on female Muslim college basketball star Khady Salama whose faith, family and fame collide in March Madness. A remarkable new voice and a play that is not what it seems to be. Great reactions from our audience. A theatrical tour de force -

This play has lots of great opportunities for media design. There is a lot of projection and direct address to the audience, but Fahmy very thoughtfully brings more tangible objects to the stage at certain moments. Food, alcohol, a basketball. It would be so cool to actually watch actors play a game of HORSE on stage.

I also love that this play talks a little about why Muslim's fast and the purpose of the Holiday. If you're looking for a play that explores a mother/daughter relationship, has Arab representation, and opportunities for creative and theatrical staging, read this!

A moving, surprising play about faith, mothers and daughters and sacrifice. I can't stop thinking about the line "I needed you to be weak with me."

"American Fast" had its first workshop/reading with us at LAUNCH PAD in 2020, and our audience was blown away by the piece. Kareem Fahmy tackles the complexities ambition and how the desire to succeed at the highest level impacts both the individual and their relationships. It is at once a love story, a coming of age story and a story which continuously challenges the characters' and audience's moral compass. And all the while, we are on the edge of our seats watching a thrilling basketball championship! No doubt this play will have a long life. I highly recommend it.

American Fast by Kareem Fahmy was a finalist for NNPN's 2022 National Showcase of New Plays, and we are pleased to recommend it.