Abdelkader Stage Project
High School Curriculum
Thirteen theatre vignettes, based on the life and times of Emir Abdelkader, depict a rich array of characters beginning in 1808. Settings range from the Ottoman Regency of Algiers to Colonial France to New York City to Elkader, Iowa.
The stage project consists of thirteen theatre vignettes, based on the life and times of Emir Abdelkader, and depict a rich array of characters beginning in 1808. Settings range from the Ottoman Regency of Algiers to Colonial France to New York City to Elkader, Iowa.
The vignettes may be used in isolation or together and provide a variety of “parts” for student readers.
Younger or less confident readers may prefer the Abdelkader Stage Project (Middle School Version).
Why teach the life and times of Emir Abdelkader?
- Uncovers little-known facts about America's heartland
- Adds historical lens of the conquered, highlighting story of resistance
- Challenges stereotypes
- Broadens notions of American cultural, ethnic, and religious identities
- Offers international perspective beyond eurocentric history
- Counters extremism
- Provides role model of ethical leadership
- Encourages critical thinking and social/emotional learning
Bibliography
Khan, Daisy. Wiseup: Knowledge Ends Extremism. Women’s Islamic Initiative in Spirituality & Equality, 2018.
Kiser, John W. Commander of the Faithful: The Life and Times of Emir Abd El Kader. Monkfish Book Pub., 2008.
Marston, Elsa. Compassionate Warrior – Abd El-Kader of Algeria. World Wisdom Books
Other Selected Readings
Bouyerdene, Ahmed. Emir Abdelkader: Hero and Saint of Islam. World Wisdom, 2012.
Churchill, Charles-Henry. The Life of Abd el Kader, ex Sultan of the Arabs of Algeria. Chapman Hall, 1867.
Danziger, Raphael. Abd al-Qadir and the Algerians. Holmes and Meier, 1977.
DeTocqueville, Alexis. Writings on Empire and Slavery (translated by Jennifer Pitts) Johns Hopkins University Press, 2001.
Kiser, John W. The Monks of Tibhirine: Faith, Love and Terror in Algeria. St. Martins Press, 2003
Kiser, John W. Lessons From An Arab Warrior
Hourani, Albert. Islam in European Thought. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1991.
Johnston, Douglas, Religion Terror and Error: American Foreign Policy and the Challenge of Spiritual Engagement. Santa Barbara: Praeger, 2011.
Nasr, Hossein. Man and Nature, The Spiritual Crisis of Modern Man. Chicago: ABC International Group Inc, 1997.