El Guindi had no previous on-screen acting experience and had never seen the show before appearing on the episode entitled “Mr. Bashir, I Presume?” She was unaware of the whole subculture centered around Star Trek, including annual conventions and seminars organized by ‘Trekies’ - i.e. devout Star Trek fans. Her appearance was the result of a combination of three powerful forces - her natural acting talent, her unconditional activism in Arab-American community affairs, and fate.
A year and a half ago, El Guindi, who is a Professor of Anthropology, co-wrote and co-directed an original community play produced by Al-Funun Al-Arabiya, a non-profit organization she founded to promote Arab-American art. A few days before the performance, the lead actress dropped out. As no one else was willing to play the part on such short notice, El Guindi reluctantly filled in,all the while complaining: “I’m an anthropologist, not an actress!” Little did she know that a casting agent was in the audience.
A few months later, she received a call and was asked to audition for the role of Dr. Bashir’s mother.
Oh, my goodness! Amsha was played by an anthropologist! That’s delightful!
It’s her only professional screen role!
chequerootlurks
