THE MUHAMMAD SISTERS WERE HERE

by: t. tara turk-haynes

2020

"The Muhammad Sisters Were Here” was the second commission of Lower Depth’s “Cycle of Violence” Commission Series and explored the topic of honor killings. Presented virtually.

SUMMARY

Anoud and Aminah were raised by their Uncle in Oman because their mother ran off with her latest husband 15 years ago and barely made an appearance since. Anoud, living in New York for college, is secretly studying to be a jazz musician and diving into what her religion really means to her. Aminah, in Oman, lives her whole life online because of her strict Uncle but now that she’s graduated (online) from school, she’s ready to find out what her life holds. Meanwhile, Abdul, in New York, is a jazz musician in search of his daughters who were taken out of the country by his former lover at the height of 9/11. Since their departure, he has been on the road to recovery with the help of his found family - Rahma - a worldy Muslim Center director and Sunny - a jazz pianist and his partner in the jazz club he owns. 

An honor killing accidently broadcast to the world ensures a collision of this group of troubled souls in the heart of New York. For the sisters, growing up and out has brought them to a fated darkness they may not be able to shake. For everyone else, old wounds must heal in order to prevent another tragedy.