Historical Drama: A Christian Turn'd Turk
This theatrical script presents the remarkable true story of John Ward, later known as Yusuf Rais, one of the most notorious English pirates of the seventeenth century. The play captures the scandal that shocked Jacobean England when Ward converted to Islam in 1608, a decision that made him a celebrity figure of his era.
About the Play
A Christian Turn'd Turk dramatizes the life of John Ward through well-embellished historical narrative, bringing to life the maritime world of the early 1600s. The script explores themes of religious conversion, cultural identity, and the complex relationship between England and the Islamic world during the Jacobean period. This biographical drama offers theater companies and performers an authentic period piece that examines a fascinating chapter in English and Islamic history.
Historical Context
Set against the backdrop of seventeenth-century maritime conflict, this play script provides insight into the era when English pirates operated in Mediterranean waters. John Ward's transformation from English pirate to Yusuf Rais represents a unique moment in cultural history, when religious and political boundaries were tested through individual choices that resonated across nations.
Theater Performance Applications
The script serves as a valuable resource for theater companies, drama students, and performing arts professionals interested in historical plays from the Jacobean era. The biographical nature of the work provides rich material for character development and historical interpretation, making it suitable for both educational and professional theatrical productions.
Product Specifications
Format: Paperback play script
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Publication Date: December 2014
Genre: Historical Drama, Biographical Play
Historical Period: 17th Century, Jacobean Era
The true, though well-embellished, story of the seventeenth-century English celebrity pirate, John Ward (later Yusuf Rais), who shocked Jacobean England by converting to Islam in 1608.
