The United States is a bitter land. Born as a colony, deep down it remains one to this day. Its top priority – accumulation of wealth – was encased in the ideals of equality that were to remain of secondary importance forever. To strip America of its false promises, to expose its ruthlessness and only then, having done it all, declare his love for it – this is a feat that America’s unwanted son managed to accomplish.
To his homeland, Ayad Akhtar is a troublesome child. He does not fit. He doesn’t match the stereotypes that arrange the world into various xenophobic categories, but he doesn’t fall into the slot reserved for those basking in the American Dream Fulfilled, either.
Akhtar comes from a Muslim family, is dark-skinned and has a Pakistani surname. But he was born in Staten Island, raised in Wisconsin. He is successful; his plays premiere on Broadway, and he has received a host of accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize, the Arts and Letters Award in Literature, and two Tony Award nominations. Each of Akhtar’s new works makes waves in literature and theatre. The only problem is that he doesn’t try to woo America in them. He addresses his reservations, tears down the neat facades, picks at the old wounds. Many would prefer for him to
