“From Attitude to Gratitude, an introspective way towards the transition”
Under the direction of Sâmir Bhamra, the moving and funny one-man performance featured Adeel Ali in the lead role of Yasser. 10 Nights dives into the themes of belief, belonging, and personal growth as Yasser embarks on a period of retreat during the last ten nights of Ramadan. What was supposed to be a peaceful time of introspection in a mosque quickly turns into a series of unexpected challenges for Yasser, prompting him to reflect on his actions towards himself and others. With his phone confiscated and his dream of winning a TikTok dance challenge unfulfilled, Yasser reluctantly participates in the retreat to honour his deceased friend and please his father.
Throughout his time in what was meant to be ‘complete solitude’, Yasser confronts and navigates the complexities of sharing a communal space in a mosque, grappling with the constant scrutiny and advice from his fellow worshippers. And of course, there’s his constant craving for chicken and chunky chips. As he undergoes this transformation, he is forced to confront hidden truths about himself, ultimately emerging with a fresh perspective and gratitude for life. Even though he was labelled negatively by people around him, he came out with a memorised Qur’an recitation so effortlessly which amazed me personally. It makes one reconnect with the fact that no one should judge another human and Allah is the only judge.
Through a blend of humour and emotional depth, the play offers a poignant depiction of a young man wrestling with his faith, inner struggles, and aspirations. Adeel Ali expressed his excitement about being part of 10 Nights, describing it as a remarkable production that allows him to embody a range of characters that reflect societal norms, explore religious beliefs, and celebrate the sense of community. At its heart, 10 Nights is a coming-of-age narrative that delves into fractured relationships within a community striving for dignity, hope, and solidarity. It’s a compelling tale that resonates with audiences as they witness Yasser’s journey unfold through moments of laughter, warmth, and self-discovery.
Director Sâmir Bhamra added: “10 Nights is about more than just theatre – it’s the kind of British Asian story we need right now – human, relatable, and unapologetically real, that truly reflects our diverse society. Shahid’s play dismantles stereotypes about Muslim men with warmth, grace, and humour and I am delighted that our venue partners are working with us to welcome communities who have been constantly ignored.”
10 Nights opens at Riverside Studios Hammersmith (8 – 26 January) before touring to Derby Theatre (27 – 28 January), The Lowry Manchester (30 January – 1 February), Lawrence Batley Theatre (4 – 5 February) and Birmingham Hippodrome (6 – 8 February).
Tickets are now available at https://www.phizzical.com/show/10-nights/.
The adventurous spirit behind the pages of British Muslim magazine. As the Editor-in-Chief, Natasha leads with a passion for exploration and a pen dipped in wanderlust. With a keen eye for halal travel experiences and an insatiable curiosity for new experiences, she brings readers along on captivating journeys to far-flung destinations. Through her vibrant storytelling, Natasha invites readers on enriching adventures, where every experience is a window into the muslim world.
