East is East

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Antony Taliana

East is East

Question:

How does Ayub Khan-Din explore the issue of living within two cultures in his play "East is East"?

The opening scene of "East is East" literally sets the scene for Ayub Kan-Din's play in which he explores the issues of living within two cultures, for the stage in set to show the contrast of cultures - the Islamic prayer stickers, a lazy Susan full of washing - and a fish and chip shop.

Through the Khan family we learn about the Pakistani/English culture clashes: George is a traditional Pakistani Muslim, his wife Ella is a white working class woman from Salford and his children are pulled in both directions - Nazir (The disowned/dead son), Abdul, Tariq, Maneer, Saleem, Meenah (The only girl) and Sajit (The youngest at twelve years old)

The play was written in 1996 but was set in the early 1970's. I think Ayub Khan-Din the playwright chose to set his play then for two reasons, first there was a war between India and Pakistan so his character George became even more extreme and patriotic towards his Muslim faith and his country Pakistan. Secondly there was a lot of anti-immigration feeling in Britain stirred up by politicians like Enoch Powell, who was considered by some as being racist.
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East is East explores the culture clash within the Khan family, also found in many parts of Britain with big Immigrant populations such as Salford, Manchester where the play is set. The tensions, Joys and conflicts of living in a family and community of such cultural differences really focus on the Khan family. Violent Arguments frequently breakout over issues such as eating bacon (In a Muslim household), arranged/forced marriages, treatment of women and domestic violence, Western vs. Pakistani "dress" and Georges fury over his uncircumcised twelve year old son Sajit. Although the play tackles a serious subject it ...

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