Explosive Play “Godly Bastard” Begins Secret Rehearsals in NYC

New York, N.Y. — In a climate of heightened tension and security, rehearsals for Mumtaz Hussain‘s controversial new play, Godly Bastard (Allahi Haram-zada), have commenced at an undisclosed location near Times Square in New York City. The play, which tackles themes of political corruption, religious extremism, and radicalization, has been deemed so provocative that its production team has implemented strict security measures, including secret rehearsals and restricted access to cast and crew.

A Play Fraught with Risk

Mumtaz Hussain, an acclaimed artist, filmmaker, and playwright, is no stranger to controversial subject matter. His previous works—The Barking Crow, Legal Alien, and Virus Bomb—have drawn attention for their fearless critique of societal norms. However, Godly Bastard presents an unprecedented level of risk, echoing the fate of outspoken figures such as Salman Rushdie, who was targeted by a fatwa in 1989 and viciously attacked in 2022, losing an eye. The volatile themes of this new play necessitate careful precautions to ensure the safety

of those involved.

High Security and Secrecy

With concerns of potential backlash and threats, security for the production has been drastically heightened. The rehearsal space is undisclosed, with only essential personnel granted access. All members of the cast and crew have been advised to keep details of their involvement private, and additional security personnel will be present during performances. Some industry insiders speculate that metal detectors and police presence may be required at the venue once the play opens Off-Broadway in May 2025.

A Dangerous Narrative

Executive producer Jim Luce describes the play as a harrowing examination of faith and exploitation. Godly Bastard tells the story of a young boy, born to a maid exploited by a corrupt politician, who is abandoned to an Islamic orphanage where he is indoctrinated to become a suicide bomber. The narrative exposes the grim realities of religious extremism, systemic corruption, and the devastating cycle of poverty and radicalization. “The question is: will he go through with it?” Luce teases.

The Weight of Artistic Freedom

In Pakistan and beyond, the themes of Godly Bastard are incendiary. Hussain’s bold storytelling places him in the ranks of literary giants such as Manto, Ghulam Abbas, and Asmat Chughtai—writers whose works have frequently been banned or censored. The production of this play in New York signals a commitment to artistic freedom, yet the risks remain palpable.

As the countdown to the world premiere begins, the theater community watches closely, aware that Godly Bastard is more than just a play—it is a statement, a defiance, and, potentially, a target. Whether it will be met with acclaim or outrage remains to be seen.

Provacative Snopsis

The play is centered around an orphan fathered by a corrupt politician who is placed in an Islamic orphanage. There, he is encouraged to grow up to become “halal” — kosher or whole — not “haram” — broken or forbidden. He is raised to become a suicide bomber a seek redemption in Paradise. The question is: will he?

In a world where poverty drives desperate measures, individuals are often forced to sell everything they own to meet life’s basic needs. Within this struggle, religious guidelines determine what is acceptable, adding another layer of complexity.

In Hussain’s evocative production, the corrupt politician who preys on young, impoverished women, impregnates his maid. He exploits her for his sexual gratification, and upon discovering her condition, cruelly fires her.

In conservative Pakistan, the maid’s illegitimate child is shunned, leaving his mother to place him in an orphan home. As the boy grows, extremist groups manipulate his vulnerability, leading him to a tragic path as a suicide bomber.

Amidst this turmoil, the hunger for religious fulfillment intertwines with survival, creating a poignant intersection of faith, sacrifice, and societal pressure. The characters navigate the fragile balance between their material needs and the spiritual sustenance that keeps them going.

Hussain’s script, The Kind Executioner, received a finalist award at Hollywood Screenplay Contest, Hollywood, and the first award at the Jaipur International Film Festival.

Hussain clinched the International Impact Book Award for his English book Portrait in Words. This prestigious accolade, bestowed upon him in 2024, represents a monumental triumph for Pakistani literature on the global platform

Mumtaz Hussain‘s Portrait in Words has also been published in The Stewardship Report.

• Chapter 1 | The Barking Crow
• Chapter 2 | When the Rain Shines through the Sunlight
• Chapter 3 | Her Resplendent Face
• Chapter 4 | Enigmatic Mumtaz
• Chapter 5 | Mona Lisa of Bones and Flesh
• Chapter 6 | The Death of Life
• Chapter 7 | His Master’s Voice
• Chapter 8 | Half Shut Eye Wisdom
• Chapter 9 | The Bride of God
• Chapter 10 | The Fragile Mountains and the Flowing Moonlight
• Chapter 11 | Adam’s Rib
• Chapter 12 | Godly Bastard
• Chapter 13 | Poppy cultivated in Heaven
• Chapter 14 | Virus Bomb

Portrait in Words is available on Amazon’s Audible, narrated by Scott LeCote (4 hrs and 36 mins). Order here.

Mumtaz Hussain in the News

• Historic Win for Pakistani-American Author, Mumtaz Hussain, at International Impact Book Awards (April 13, 2024)
• Pakistani Mumtaz Hussain Bags 2024 International Impact Book Award (April 23, 2024)