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Two Thomas S. Wootton High School seniors are hoping a musical comedy about an Israeli soldier who falls in love with a beautiful Palestinian fast-food cashier will not only entertain audiences, but also inspire a new generation to work towards peace in the Middle East.
Wootton Center for the Arts will present "West Bank Story," a stage adaptation of the 22-minute movie that won a 2006 Academy Award for best live action short film, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Wootton High School in Rockville. Director Salah Czapary said the presentation will mark the first time "West Bank Story" will appear on stage.
Czapary, an 18-year-old Rockville resident, said he was inspired to bring the show to the stage after watching the film a few years ago.
The musical comedy parodies the play "West Side Story" in its depiction of star-crossed lovers from two different cultures. Maria is replaced by Fatima, a cashier at Hummus Hut; David, an Israeli soldier, steps in for Tony; and the conflict is between their families' two rival restaurants, Kosher King and Hummus Hut, instead of opposing gangs.
Czapary, whose heritage is partly Palestinian, said the film made him laugh because of its plethora of cultural jokes, but that was not the only reason he wanted to give it new life.
"Overall, it's a very humorous piece of work, but it also delves into deeper issues and presents a good solution for peace," he said.
He e-mailed Ari Sandel, director of "West Bank Story," for permission to turn the film into a play. Czapary said Sandel not only granted his request, but also offered to provide advice along the way. He is listed as co-writer on the "West Bank Story" Web site.
"He was very excited about it," Czapary said.
Sandel could not be reached for comment by press time Tuesday.
Czapary, who has directed one-act plays at the school and helped with larger productions, said the show is entirely run by students — 25 in acting roles and nearly 20 in the crew.
Mattia D'Affuso, who plays David and is also the assistant director, said the production is getting some help from a few area performers. Noa Baum, an Israeli storyteller from Silver Spring, will be featured Thursday evening and the Sahara Dance troupe and Derwood opera singers Harry Dunstan and Kay Krekow will perform Friday.
The students have invited the international embassies in Washington, D.C., to attend the show and representatives of a few, including Egypt and Great Britain, have accepted, D'Affuso said.
Czapary said he hopes the audience will enjoy the play and also connect with its deeper message.
"I hope people will really take a message of peace and understanding away with them," he said.
Wootton Center for the Arts will present "West Bank Story" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the high school, 2100 Wootton Parkway in Rockville. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $5. Tickets are available two hours before each show at the box office. For more information, e-mail
westbankstorystage@gmail.com or call 301-452-4178.