Books by Yussef El Guindi

"Through the dialogue the playwright's skill is revealed; the dialogue is incredibly witty and full of gallows humor, yet psychological insights abound about the two as well as discussions about whether individuals bear responsibilities for the decisions of their governments." Marie Bonfils, Drama in the Hood "This is must-see theatre, for if the role of theatre is not solely to entertain but to provoke contemplation about our humanity-even if it means assaulting our senses, sensibilities, and assumptions and creating discomfort-then HOSTAGES fits the bill… It is a measure of El Guindi's's genius and craftsmanship that he pulls the audience aboard the excursion." Herbert Paine, Broadway World "HOSTAGES is about our individual humanity and the related concept of fellowship. Echoing, in different ways, works by Sartre and Beckett, El Guindi explores how we survive on our own and how we survive with each other; what makes us ourselves and what makes us-and prevents us from being-free. HOSTAGES ranks as compelling and worthy theatre." Martin Denton, nytheater indie archive "El Guindi's dialogue and humor are sharp enough to cut. These are most exciting roles of the evening…" Thom Taylor, Spectator

"What if Neil Simon wrote a lovable comedy about a Muslim-American family trying to hold itself together amidst the misunderstandings that run amuck and the comedy that ensues when the generations collide? It would probably resemble something like the surprisingly enjoyable, charming and oftentimes hilarious TEN ACROBATS IN AN AMAZING LEAP OF FAITH." Fabrizio O Almeida, New City Chicago "With TEN ACROBATS IN AN AMAZING LEAP OF FAITH, playwright Yussef El Guindi takes the genre (of the immigrant experience) to a new place-the Arab-American experience post September 11, 2001. With humor, passion and a lovely touch of whimsy, he's created a theatrical experience that's not to be missed." Louis Weisberg, CFP "El Guindi's engrossing play…finds a workable balance between sharp humor and head-banging angst, which shapes his story effectively." Mary Houlihan, Chicago Sun-Times "Woven into this complicated family drama are scenes of delightful humor. Humanity is the substance that ties not only all of the characters together but also binds the audience to them. This play beautifully serves the purposes of drama, comedy, the artistic theatrical process and, perhaps most importantly, demystifying the hate that comes from fear of unknown cultures." Venus Zarris, Gay Chicago Magazine "The drama comes from an emotionally vivid story that captures a world of anger, joy, love and frustration as it plays out in a Muslim-American family. The appeal lies in Guindi's ability to transcend ethnicity while still writing a rich depiction of a Muslim family… The emotional difficulties could belong to any family of any (or no) religion… Smart, challenging, poignant, whimsical and at times, delightfully silly." Catey Sullivan, Pioneer Press

"In a world where immigrants are often seen as monolithic others, this play, written by an immigrant, opens a window on their challenges and struggles …El Guindi's script is spirited, profane, hilarious and pointed; line after line leaves its mark." Amy Wang, The Oregonian/ OregonLive.com "Innovative, darkly funny work… In his plays, El Guindi tends to explore the experiences of immigrants and people of color, and the complex, troubling racial dynamics that can play out in the most seemingly progressive places… The dialogue is quippy, sharp-edged, and so full of subtly disappointed pronouncements that much of it wouldn't be out of place in a Wes Anderson movie… What's especially powerful about THE TALENTED ONES is that it deviates from many "good immigrant" narratives that reduce immigrant characters-whether real or imagined-to blandly virtuous caricatures… El Guindi's risky, weird comedy is enough to keep you in your seat." Megan Burbank, The Portland Mercury "The new play is just offbeat enough to be unexpectedly funny and bizarre…THE TALENTED ONES' worldview still manages to be kind of beautiful-knife wounds and all." Shannon Gormley, Willamette Week "There is comedy-side-splitting and dark. It's a haunting play because the truths are so real and the action so raw… A play that should have no problems finding its way into theaters across the country." Judy Nerdy, Judy Nerdy Play Reviews