'Domestic Crusaders' breaks down barriers, watches TV

Breaking down cultural and religious conflicts exacerbated by the tragedy of Sept. 11, "The Domestic Crusaders" beautifully blends American and Muslim cultures by examining the world through the lens of a dysfunctional family. Any audience member can relate to the supportive, if conflicted, dynamic among the characters — and to their childhood pastimes of basketball and television.

The play cleverly engages the audience in learning about Desi, Muslim and American culture through the characters' designated family roles. The grandfather is the scholar, offering advice from the Qur'an and sunna (the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad). The father is the practical and obedient family member, who believes that if one must marry outside his culture, he should at least marry a pretty girl. The mother is the obedient but paranoid one, always fearing that her children might associate themselves with unmotivated druggies.

The oldest son, Salahuddin, is the most Americanized — preferring the financial channel to politics, and willing to sleep with any girl — while daughter Fatima is the most passionate about justice, pursuing a black Muslim convert while preaching feminism and sociopolitical equality. Finally, Ghafur is the wisest, interested in teaching American children the truth about Muslims and about equality.

Between the laughs and smiles, "The Domestic Crusaders" subtly probes at the tender topic of differences. It is suggested at the periphery — as the audience sees Eastern house décor and hears classic American beats between scenes — but also in the scenes themselves.

The Pakistani family in "Crusaders" judges the situation in all three of their domestic spheres: familial, Muslim and American. The parents criticize Ghafur's professional desires, Fatima's desires to marry outside Desi culture and Sal's distance from his Muslim and Pakistani roots. The debate is not just contained within the family: They also attack the media, abuses of law and the mistrust between cultural groups, groups that should have united to fight the Taliban. Finally, the family questions America's work culture, in which people are promoted not for their merits but because of their race or gender.

Some people might write this off as a light comedy that touches only slightly upon current political and sociocultural issues. But if you submerge yourself deeper into the play, you will see that "The Domestic Crusaders" promotes unity and understanding in a laudably universal way. Through humor and pathos, the play reveals that most every family has its own dirty laundry — and that most every family eventually comes together for birthday cake and television nights.

"The Domestic Crusaders" will be presented at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe (236 E. Third St.) through Oct. 11, Thursdays to Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets ($15 for students) are available by calling 212.465.3167.