Westridge Theatre Meets Fall Play Playwright Omer Abbas Salem

Ahead of the world premiere of The Sisterhood or Sorority of Scientific Sisterly Science* in November (that’s right–Westridge Upper School students are performing a play never before performed on stage!), the Westridge Theatre cast and crew had the special opportunity to virtually meet with its playwright, Omer Abbas Salem. The Chicago-based actor and playwright spoke about his career and writing experience and answered questions from the students. Salem shared tidbits and notes about his own inspiration and thoughts on elements of the play, and even shared enthusiasm for their upcoming performance.

“Do absolutely whatever you want, [make] whatever choices you like, and I think if you’re working as an ensemble… those choices will naturally become things that help the play and the storytelling,” Salem advised the students, adding: “This is the very first version of the play that’s happening, so I know that I will learn a lot from the way that you end up producing it.”

The Westridge Theatre production will debut November 7-9 in the PAC. For times and tickets, click here. (Note: The play is appropriate for those ages 8 and up.)

*What is The Sisterhood or Sorority of Scientific Sisterly Science? Written by Salem, the play follows five former members of a sorority who create a new society built on knowledge and fact after having found the world corrupt. In their strictly scientific community, believing and feeling are forbidden. As the sisterhood rediscovers scientific concepts, two mysterious green beings find their way into the society, raising questions and threatening the very foundation of the sisterhood. The play was written as part of a commission for DePaul University, which at the time was looking for plays for ages 6-12. He was asked to simplify the story, which ended up becoming The Chronicles of the Kaleidoscope Visitors. While Chronicles was performed last spring, The Sisterhood play has yet to be put on stage… until now!

Westridge School, 324 Madeline Drive, Pasadena, (626) 799-1053 ext. 200 or visit www.westridge.org.