August 24th 2024.
"Have you ever been to the theatre before? I have, but only as a part of a school or university program. For Muslim families, going to the theatre is not a popular choice. It can be expensive, inaccessible, and the stories being told may not be relatable or interesting to those of us who come from racialized backgrounds.
However, things are starting to change thanks to poet Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan and her debut play, Peanut Butter & Blueberries. Set in a university, the play follows two central Muslim characters, Hafsah and Bilal. Hafsah is a fiery and socially aware student studying Gender Studies, while Bilal is a stoic yet hilarious South Asian Studies major.
As the two students navigate their adolescence in London, having moved from Bradford and Birmingham, they find solace in each other's company. Despite coming from different backgrounds, they bond over their shared experiences as Muslims and as northerners. As their relationship grows, they also face serious issues such as Islamophobia, the effects of the government's Prevent strategy, PTSD, and domestic violence.
But this play is more than just a coming-of-age romantic comedy. It delves into important themes such as class, capitalism, and social mobility. Hafsah is offered a prestigious writing program in New York, while Bilal struggles to make ends meet and support his struggling single mother. This creates a central tension in the play, one that is not based on their identity as Muslims, as one might expect.
In fact, both Hafsah and Bilal are confident and guided by their Islamic principles. Hafsah is unapologetic about her hijab, while Bilal knows his role as a provider and a Muslim man. This representation of Muslims is refreshing and authentic, and it resonates with audiences of all backgrounds.
Speaking of audiences, Suhaiymah has made sure to make everyone feel welcome and seen. Before the show begins, a nasheed fills the theatre, and blessings are offered to Prophet Muhammad. The play also accommodates one of the five daily Islamic prayers and provides a prayer space for Muslim worshippers. Additionally, the theatre hosts alcohol-free nights for non-drinking audience members.
These accommodations are essential for Suhaiymah, who knows the barriers that can prevent Muslims from attending theatre productions. She wanted to make sure that not only are Muslims included in the story, but also in the theatre itself. And it is clearly working, as the play has attracted a diverse audience, including many hijabi-wearing individuals, a rare sight in most theatres.
Peanut Butter & Blueberries is just one example of the growing trend of Muslim stories being reflected in theatre. Other notable plays include Dugsi Dayz, a comedy about friends getting into detention, and Blue Mist, which explores shisha lounges as a space for Muslim men. These stories are important, especially in a time where far-right Islamophobia is rampant and Muslims often feel unheard and unwanted.
The play will be running at Kiln Theatre in Kilburn until the end of August, so be sure to catch it while you can. And if you have a celebrity story or any interesting news, don't hesitate to reach out to The Agency's entertainment team. We would love to hear from you and share your story with our readers."
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