Olivier Award-nominated play about one man’s spiritual journey comes to Bristol

10 Nights is the emotionally rich and funny Olivier Award-nominated play from writer Shahid Iqbal Khan, originally developed through Graeae Theatre Company’s Write to Play scheme, and co-produced in 2021 with the Bush Theatre.

For 2024, it has been restaged by Phizzical Productions, makers of South Asian arts and cultural experiences that aim to bring new perspectives to their audiences.

On tour for winter and early spring 2024, the production arrives at Tobacco Factory Theatres on February 23 for two nights.

The story follows the personal and spiritual journey of Yasser, a Muslim man who decides to stay in a mosque and fast over the final period of Ramadan – an Islamic practice called Iʿtikāf.

“He soon regrets his decision,” say the programme notes. “But as he navigates smug worshippers, shared bathrooms, and recurring thoughts of chunky chips, Yasser’s isolation forces him to confront a side of himself he’s been trying to keep hidden.”

Azan Ahmed – photo: Phizzical Productions

Azan Ahmed plays the role of Yasser. He spoke to Bristol24/7 from rehearsals:

What was your response to the character of Yasser when first reading the play?

“Yasser is a conflicted, witty charmer. Initially you’re on his side. But the more I learnt about him the more I wanted to slap and shake him. By the end, all I wanted to do was hug him. Yasser goes through an incredible journey of self-discovery.”

Are there echoes with your own life, or those of people you know, in Shahid Iqbal Khan’s writing?

“I see so much of myself, my family and friends in Shahid’s script. Yasser feels like a paranoid imposter. As a brown Muslim man in Britain, that is painfully relatable on both fronts: pressure from outside and also from within the community. He’s too proud to ask for help, a quality too many young men possess.

“But the beautiful thing about Shahid’s writing is how human each character is. We’re unfortunately used to seeing Muslims as caricatures, but in this play they are humans. They have egos, but are still capable of incredible generosity, care and humour, just like all of us. We’ve all seen the roadman in the puffer jacket, the overbearing traditional uncle, the bearded man with the prayer cap. Here, we get to hear them. To see them strive to be good in a bleak world. In their attempts, we see ourselves.”

Azan Ahmed in rehearsal for 10 Nights – photo: Catherine Frawley

In what ways does performing a solo show change your approach to developing and rehearsing it?

“Performing a solo show is like painting a picture live. You want it to be beautifully layered and rich, but also clear and recognisable. Rehearsing the show is how we find our colour palette, in other words what we will paint with. Samir and I have dug deep into each character’s reputation, dreams and regrets – even if they only say five lines. We try to expand these men to find out what they represent. My job when performing then is to paint that part of the picture with one clear stroke. That means adopting distinct physical and vocal qualities for each character that tell you who they are.

“The main difference that performance brings is the audience! Having a group of people to share the journey with makes it completely unique each night. Bouncing off their energy and what they resonate with helps them follow the story more.”

Photo: Catherine Frawley

Can you describe the journey the audience will be taken on as the narrative unfolds?

“The play is moving, very funny and heart-warming. Watching it, the audience will be taken on a heart-affirming journey about self-discovery. This is a story about faith, fractures and failures. It’s about how we pick ourselves up once we’ve hit rock bottom.”

Artwork: Phizzical Productions

10 Nights is at Tobacco Factory Theatres on February 23-24 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com.

Main photo: Catherine Frawley

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