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The Associated Press

Local play to address tough issues facing Somali immigrants

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Courtesy of Mohamud Mumin
Abdifatah Farah is a youth activist, actor and spoken word artist. He was photographed by Mohamud Mumin for the documentary project Youth/Dhalinyarada.
Mohamud Mumin for MPR | File 2012

A Minneapolis spoken word artist is launching a project designed to tackle issues that are tough for many Somali immigrants to talk about.

Abdifatah Farah, who goes by Abdi Phenomenal, wrote the play "The Chronicles of the Diaspora" over several months.

He says it highlights the experiences of two Somali-American immigrant families and examines their version of the American dream. It also addresses issues of mental health, suicide and domestic abuse — topics many consider taboo.

Farah says he hopes the play opens up dialogue. The performances will be followed by discussions between actors and the community.

The project is being announced Friday and will hit stages in Minneapolis, St. Cloud, Willmar and Rochester in March.

Farah says it's partly funded with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.