A crude and funny story about self-discovery, 10 Nights is a heartfelt initiation of a familiar Muslim experience to which non-Muslim audiences will certainly admire and appreciate.

Yasser (Ismail) decides to take part in itikaf (remembrance and meditation on God in isolation, conducted usually in a mosque during the last ten nights of Ramadan), but quickly regrets his decision as he spends restless days navigating internal mosque dynamics and judgmental pious peers. At the same time, he is being haunted by memories of his late childhood friend, Aftab (Iqbal), who died in a car accident. As the story develops, we follow Yasser on a journey of self-acceptance as he is forced to confront his demons and shortcomings. We watch as he learns how to extend forgiveness and compassion to himself in his darkest moments.

Ismail’s performance is emotive and skilled, as he switches between five different characters with ease, portraying Yasser, his father, and several mosque-goers who are also observing itikaf. The production seamlessly and creatively employs accessibility, embedding subtitles in English and Arabic that are projected onto the set, and doubles-up the role of the BSL interpreter to play Aftab’s ex-girlfriend, Aneela (Si-Tayeb). This is slightly unconventional but works well and, despite Aneela having no dialogue, Si-Tayeb’s facial expressions and body language (while Yasser recalls memories of Aneela) indicates to the audience that she is very much present. Similarly, Iqbal (a d/Deaf actor) is communicated to via sign language cues, and though this is through necessity, it serves to strengthen the on-stage friendship and connection between the two characters. Writer Shahid Iqbal Khan insightfully conveys the internalised shame that many Muslims feel about practicing faith correctly, and the experience of being judged.

There are points in the production where the ridicule of culture & religion feel a little brazen (perhaps a directorial choice): for example, when Yasser mocks the ‘hole in the floor’ toilet, or the exaggerated South Asian accent of his father. Though this might be Yasser’s character arc (evolving from someone resistant and hesitant to engage with religion, to a man overcoming pride and understanding internal cultural and religious dynamics), it is also in parts a reflexive experience, reflecting the very real instances of discomfort many diasporic Muslims’ face each day.

Name of Production: 10 Nights

Year of Production: 2021

Venue: Bush Theatre

Cast: Zaqi Ismail, Safyan Iqbal, Sumayya Si-Tayeb

Writer: Shahid Iqbal Khan

Director: Kash Arshad

Associate Director: Lilac Yosiphon

Designer: Khadija Raza

Lighting Designer: Sara Burns

Sound Designer: Sarah Sayeed

AV Designer / Consultant: Reuben Cook

Movement Director: Jennifer Kay

Dramaturg: Oladipo Agboluaje

Producer/Production Company: Tamasha, Graeae, Bush Theatre

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