DUGSI DAYZ

Image credit — Cesare De Giglio

Dugsi Dayz by Sabrina Ali

Inspired by John Hughes’ 1985 ‘The Breakfast Club’, Sabrina Ali takes her own rendition of this classic coming-of-age comedy-drama, centering on the lives of four girls who find themselves serving detention at Dugsi (Islamic School) on a Saturday. Despite their collective desire to be elsewhere, the unexpected absence of their teacher leaves them with no option but to wait for his return while entertaining themselves.

Set in Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, the stage is adorned with prayer mats, a notice board displaying information on extra classes, the Arabic alphabet, Ramadan events, cake sales, and a free Palestine poster. At the heart of it all is an empty desk, furnished with everything you would expect to see on a teacher's desk. Over the course of the play, the girls navigate the intimate space, drawing on it at different points to aid their storytelling.

While all four girls are sharing the detention experience, Munira (portrayed by Ali herself) and Yasmin (Faduma Issa), are close friends making the experience more bearable for them. They are joined by Hani (Hadsan Mohamud), the introverted rebel with a sharp tongue and fierce gaze and Salma (Susu Ahmed), a goofy teacher's pet eager to be the very best.

Throughout the play the girls confront a spectrum of emotions as they devise to escape detention in their teacher's absence. Munira, the class clown, shares various rumours about Hani; Yasmin attempts to win over Salma for an early release  and Hani isolates herself, building a barrier between her and the girls.

Following a power outage, the tone of the play changes and the girls make do with what they have - each other. A central theme during this play is the influence of Somali culture on British-Somali girls; woven through folktales that delve into mother-daughter relationships, societal pressures on women regarding marriage, religious significance and much more. Ali also delves into themes surrounding identity and girlhood, dismantling stereotypes surrounding young visibly Muslim British Somali women. 

The power outage catalyses the revelation of secrets and deepens the bond between the girls as they share their personal stories. Despite the typical teenage bickering, gossiping and laughter as expected in a coming-of-age girlhood drama; under the direction of Poppy Clifford the play's mood alternates at the right time, evoking the appropriate emotions from the audience with seamless transitions. 

Dugsi Dayz is an incredibly fun watch. Seasoned with clever references to pop culture, religious phrases and cultural concepts, it is a play that platforms young Somali girls, offering them representation in a space that may seem inaccessible. 

While the production does display areas for refinement and enhancement in both script and depth of characters, it stands as a testament to Ali’s promising talent and potential as a playwright and actor.

By Eniola Edusi

★★★☆☆

Dugsi Dayz is showing at the Royal Court Theatre until 18th May.

All tickets are currently sold out, but keep an eye out with the box office incase anything opens up.