Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Planet Connections Interview - Sahil Farooqi of A Brown Monkey Goes to McDonald's

By Byrne Harrison

Name: Sahil Farooqi
Play: A Brown Monkey Goes to McDonald's
Relationship to production: Playwright/actor
Website: Planet Connections

How did you first get involved in theatre?

By doing theatre from childhood.

Who are your biggest influences?

Regie Cabico, M.I.A., and John Leguizamo.

What is your show about?

It is based on my semi-autobiographical journey of an immigrant. A Brown Monkey Goes To McDonald’s reveals the stories and dreams of a boy moving to America and his continuous search for cultural identity and acceptance in western society. But in the post 9/11 world his dreams of America are changed forever.

What inspired you to write it?

I wanted to have my stories be heard, and I believe this solo show reveal things that are yet to talked about.

What made you want to perform in an eco-friendly theatre festival like Planet Connections?

Eco-friendly theatre is the future.

Planet Connections is fairly unique in that a portion of the box office for each show is donated to a charity. What charity have you chosen and why?

I have chosen SALGA-NYC - it is the only South Asian GLBT organization in NYC. It is important to supports groups that have very little presence, this way they can have a stronger voice in the community.

What's next for you after Planet Connections?

I am doing a documentary series with the Sundance Channel, which will be airing in October. So shooting for the show. And also trying to do a college/university tour of my solo performance.

And finally, if you could go back in time and meet yourself as a kid, what advice would you give your younger self?

Don't think that you dreams are false. You can make anything happen.

A Brown Monkey Goes to McDonald's
Written and Performed by Sahil Farooqi
Directed by Regie Cabico

Running time: 60 minutes, no intermission

Venue: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond Street

Performance dates:
Fri 6/11 @ 7:30pm
Sat 6/12 @ 6:30pm
Mon 6/14 @ 9:30pm
Sat 6/19 @ 11:30am
Wed 6/23 @ 7:30pm

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