Nasser's sensational fate made headlines across Germany. His Lebanese-born family first wanted to force the then 16-year-old Berliner into marriage and then even kill him. The Grips Theater Berlin has now turned it into a youth theatre play about homophobia, prejudice and the successful fight for a self-determined gay life.
It has been three years since Nasser El-Ahmad's story went through the media. At the time, his father and uncle had to stand trial in a Berlin court. They had drugged the teenager and abducted him in a car. In Lebanon, they wanted to restore the family's honour - and hang Nasser. At the Bulgarian-Romanian border, Nasser was fortunately able to attract the attention of an officer.
Over the past few days, Nasser has once again been a sought-after interview partner. And again it was about his adventurous story, because the Berlin children's and youth theatre Grips has now turned it into a stage play. Shortly before the start of the premiere on Tuesday evening, Nasser scurries nervously and a little over-excited through the foyer. This is only understandable: when your own life story is retold in the theatre, you have every reason to be.
One party photo too many - and everything changed
"Nasser#7Life" by Susanne Lipp is based on extensive interviews that the author conducted with Nasser. He was involved in the development of the project from the very beginning. "I know the Grips Theatre well and trusted it: I went there with my class as a primary school child," he says in an interview. "It's important to me that other young people watch the play and see it: There is a boy who frees himself from this oppression and determines his own path."
Director Maria Lilith Umach has realised the material using classic youth theatre techniques. A few versatile and changeable set pieces are enough to indicate the various locations: Nasser's family home, his first gay party and later the youth welfare centre where he finds protection.
Three actors share various roles. Only Davide Brizzi plays Nasser and speaks directly to the audience from a very subjective perspective, telling them about the oppressive atmosphere at home, his strict Muslim father and his violent abuses. And then also about the euphoria that overcomes Nasser when he discovers on the internet that he is not alone in the world with his gay feelings. Nasser's coming out on Facebook was not intentional. One party photo too many, and the news makes the rounds at school - and even reaches Nasser's family.
Nasser's story not a justification for Islamophobia
"Nasser#7Life" is aimed at people aged 13 and over. They need to be carefully introduced to the complex themes of the play and kept amused. For this reason, Maria Lilith Umach has included scenes that are corny but not very convincing for the adult audience. More convincing, on the other hand, are the ways in which the director and text try to prevent Nasser's story from being misused as a justification for Islamophobia.
Real social media comments, which are beamed onto the set in video form in the Grips production, reflect the polyphonic chorus of attitudes and prejudices about homosexuality and Islam - and also the debate about how the two can (or cannot) go together.
To be on the safe side, the central messages in "Nasser#7Leben" are clearly stated once again: That there are also many cases of Muslim parents who love and accept their gay or lesbian child for who they are. And that there is also disagreement in other religions about whether homosexuality is a sin.
I had to fight for my right to be who I actually am.... But: it's worth it."
Nasser ultimately has the last word, which is the central message of this short but intense play: you can make it even when almost everyone is against you. "All these comments, the threats ... in the end, they encouraged me to keep going and not hide," says the character Nasser and finally emphasises: "Everyone deserves respect. I had to fight for my right to be who I actually am.... But: it's worth it."
Without the youth welfare office, friends and the LGBT community, who have supported him, he would not have been able to do this, said Nasser El-Ahmad in a recent interview. At the same time, he has encouraged many others, especially Muslim gays and lesbians. When he was brought on stage for the final applause on Tuesday, the cheering audience applauded his courage and determination as well as his commitment to the LGBT community. The "Alliance Against Homophobia" had already honoured him with the Respect Award in 2015.
GRIPS Theatre in the Klosterstr. 68, Berlin-Mitte. Directed by Maria Lilith Umbach; with Davide Brizzi, Katja Hiller, Jens Mondalski, music by Öz Kaveller. Admission 13, reduced 9 €. Ticket telephone: 030- 39 74 74 77
Next performances: 15 March, 7.30 pm, 5/6 April, 11 am. More Dates here.
