Roohi Choudhry

Shaheed: The Dream and Death of Benazir Bhutto Written and performed by Anna Khaja Directed by Heather de Michele Produced by Women Center Stage, The Culture Project, New York City Benazir Bhutto has always been a divisive figure, in her life and in the legacy that survives her 2007 assassination. The first female prime minister of Pakistan—of any Muslim country—is both revered and reviled by those who elected her, and is one of the few Pakistani leaders who can be considered a household name across the world. When I once told an Ethiopian taxi driver in Atlanta that I am Pakistani, he exclaimed, “Oh Benazir! That beautiful woman!” She was democratically elected not once, but twice, first in 1988 and again in 1993. She was also dismissed from office both times and eventually charged with corruption. Perhaps most famously, Benazir, known colloquially as BB, was the first modern head of state to give birth while in office. This was no ordinary politician. Naturally, she’s been the subject of many books and documentaries, but Shaheed: The Dream and Death of Benazir Bhutto is perhaps the first time she has been represented in theatre. Performed by actress and playwright, Anna Khaja, this […]