People of the Book
by Yussef El Guindi

Jason returns from war to literary glory after writing an international bestseller, but his celebrity is underscored by his marriage to Madeeha, an Iraqi woman he saved.

When he reunites with old friends, Amir and Lynn, questions emerge about the veracity of the book and its particular patriotic American gaze.

Lust, jealousy, and personal politics bring things between old friends to a boiling point and we are asked "what is the expense of lies — personally and as a country?"

"In [Yussef El Guindi’s] new PEOPLE OF THE BOOK … he sheds a sharp light on [the recent] war's intimate effects on two couples whose battlefield becomes the home front … The play's melt-down climax is truly shocking … And as with any tragedy, including a Euripidean tragedy, there are no answers — only consequences, which leave the theater with you."

—Oregon Artswatch

"You may think you know what to expect and what hot button topics [Yussef El Guindi] will hit upon.

And he does.

But he also manages some literary acrobatics bringing in surprise after surprise making this a deliciously complicated show with an ending that may leave you with more questions than when you came in … it's a climax I never saw coming which made it all the more exciting … I love that a play can still surprise me like this and when one does, I need to give it its due."

—Broadway World

"Truth, infidelity, artistic jealousy, and sexual tension come together in this powerful and concise new play."

—The Stranger

"The dialogue tends to be nimble, witty and unpredictable.

Reason enough to check out El Guindi's latest play, PEOPLE OF THE BOOK."

—Crosscut