Snapshot Silhouette

Najma, a Somali girl of 12, reads from her notebook memories of her home: people praying, the droughts, famine and political upheaval that led so many to flee her country. As she recounts the story of her journey to Minneapolis, other students, particularaly Tay C, a 12-year-old American girl with whom Najma lives, complain. Tay C is angry and grieving for the loss of her sister, who was killed two years ago in gang crossfire. After school, Najma follows Tay C to the cemetary. All the buried dead there bring up memories of the unburied casualties of war in Somalia, and the deaths Najma witnessed.

Najma is waiting for her mother, her Hooyo, to come to America, but that becomes less likely as the political climate causes changes that make it difficult to get money to her in Somalia. The tension grows between Tay C and Najma until they have a fist fight in their room. They harass each other constantly in every way they can find. When Najma’s cousin and brother come to get Najma it brings Tay C and her mother closer, and at last, we get a glimpse of the two girls, each in new schools, but having reached an understanding and beginning to discover a friendship.
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Creators
Kia Corthron, playwright

Details
106 pgs. 7 female, 3 male +ensemble
Originally produced in CTC’s 2003-2004 season
Run Time: 2 hours with intermission
Audience Recommendation: 9+

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