A one-woman, one-hour performance that features 13 characters and a multi-cultural journey will be performed on TROY’s campus on Thursday, March 27 in Claudia Crosby Theater at 7 p.m.
“They Call Me Q” written and performed by Qurrat Kadwani, is an award-winning, autobiographical and comedic solo play that tells the story of a girl from Bombay who tries to find the balance between cultural pressure and acceptance into American culture, all while growing up in the Bronx.
Sponsored by the Troy Arts Council, attendees are invited to enjoy cookies and lemonade with the International Student Cultural Organization (ISCO) before the show at 6:30 p.m. Kadwani will also lead a workshop with TROY theatre students and host another workshop at Charles Henderson High School.
Kadwani says the message of her solo play is about acceptance.
“When you are able to accept yourself, flaws, negative experiences, etc, then you are truly able to accept others and appreciate any differences,” she said. “You will start to see that we are all more similar than different and it is only then, that we can achieve true happiness and prosperity. Most of the issues we see in society today come from deeply unhappy people who then create havoc for others.”
She has performed “They Call Me Q” over 225 times, in 37 states and says that her experience bringing this show to different communities has been amazing.
“Students and community members everywhere tell me the same thing, the people in my life remind them of the people in their lives,” she said. “Despite the fact that we have different cultural, economic and social upbringings, the universal themes of feeling left out, not belonging, and cultural or social pressures connects us all. I love touring, connecting with so many people and knowing that I have made a difference in their lives.”
“We are excited to welcome Ms. Kadwani to our campus to provide a one-of-a-kind, multicultural experience for our students, faculty, staff and community as a whole,” said Carrie Jaxon, Director and Curator for the IAC. “Having traveled extensively to perform They Call Me Q, she brings valuable exposure to a diverse cultural experience that resonates with us, as Troy is home to people from all corners of the globe.”
Students get in free and tickets are $10 for the general public. Kadwani’s performance at TROY will be her first in Alabama. You can learn more about her and the show here: They Call Me Q.
