10 Nights
Many of us have a sense of not quite fitting in at some point in our lives, be that at school, in the workplace, or with our family. In Sahid Iqbal Kahn’s 10 Nights, Yasser (Adeel Ali) is a young 20-something Muslim. However, like many British Muslims of his age, he has struggled to balance his family’s traditional Muslim values with the British way of life.
We find Yasser entering the Mosque to observe the last 10 nights of Ramadan in isolation known as Itikaf in Islamic tradition. Regulars at the mosque seem surprised to find him there. It’s fair to say that he is there primarily to please his father, but tries to get through the experience by choosing to observe Itikaf in honour or his friend who has died. Yasser bears some responsibility for his early death but is unaware of just how much he is responsible.
Adeel Ali delivers a stunning performance in this one-hander. He is under pressure as this is a captioned performance, both in English and Urdu, so the audience will be aware if he goes off script! His portrayal of Yasser is cheeky, likeable, but with a vulnerability that comes with this sense of not quite belonging. There are things we know about Yasser, and things that we will discover as Yasser goes on this powerful journey of spiritual self-discovery. Ali allows Yasser to grow over his 10 nights and is captivating as he does so.
Ali doesn’t stop there. He voices at least five other characters over the course of the hour and a half, and each character is instantly recognisable and relatable.
Khan’s script brings a warmth for Islam, bringing out enough insider moments for those who know and enough enlightening moments for those of us who don’t! It’s fair to say, I’ve learned more about Islam in this production than I have working alongside an Imam for 11 years!
The production uses creative techniques to help us move through the passage of time. In particular, Rudi Okashi-Henty’s video projections on the back wall are refreshing in their design, offering a beautiful naivety rather than realistic images, reminding us that we are in the theatre and inviting us to do some of the work.
If I have one criticism in this production, it’s simply that, given the script was projected, some of the technical Islamic language could have been helpfully translated for those of us not familiar with the faith. This, however, is so minor that it doesn’t in anyway detract from the impact of this piece. In fact, to return to the opening sentiment, it reminds us that we all struggle to fully belong and, in parallel with Yasser, we’re invited to embark on our own spiritual journey of self-discovery.
This show was reviewed on the 13th January 2025 at Riverside Studios, London where it runs until the 26th January 2025. Tickets available here: 10 Nights | Riverside Studios
Review written by Ian Worsfold
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Photo credit: Rishi Rai
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