Why, tsunami, why?
That is the question asked by the surviving family members of the victims of the deadly tidal wave that crashed into the shores of Indonesia and swept away thousands upon thousands of lives. That question is also the title of a benefit play written and directed by Jihad Abdul-Mumit.
After the Richmond-native and playwright heard about the tragedy in Asia, he decided to use his craft to make the lives of those people better. The play calls on around 50 extras from the surrounding area and three actors who came all the way from Salt Lake City, Utah.
Stu and Sally were vacationing in Thailand at the time the tsunami struck. Their daughter, Cali, and son, Jai, were swept away in the torrent of rushing water. Jai survived 20 minutes in the raging water before being pulled from the debris-ridden water. They never saw Cali again.
Jai sustained injuries that have required prolonged medical attention. Four surgeries later, he joins his mother and father on stage to perform in Abdul-Mumit’s play.
The play is a reflection of many stories and is meant to show both sides of tragedy from the perspective of the wealthy and poor. It is filled with inherent emotional moments and, Abdul-Mumit said, has an ultimately happy ending; one that, he said, encourages spiritual guidance and helps people to find faith and strength during such a dark time.
Cali’s family plans to return to Thailand with a small glimmer of hope and have also set up a Web site to fund an orphanage in Cali’s remembrance. All proceeds from “Why, Tsunami, Why?” go to tsunami relief.