Mohamed-Zain Dada’s debut play is a candid riposte to the portrayal of South Asian Muslim men in the media
The Royal Court Theatre has announced Salman Akhtar, Omar Bynon and Arian Nik as the cast for Mohamed-Zain Dada’s debut play Blue Mist, directed by Royal Court Associate Director Milli Bhatia.
Blue Mist is a story about South Asian Muslim Men navigating a system that isn’t built for them.
Set in the shisha lounges of North West London, the play follows a journalist who sells out his own community, in a candid riposte to the portrayal of South Asian Muslim men in the media.
Chunkyz Shisha Lounge is a home away from home for Jihad, Rashid and Asif, a space where community whispers are heard, jokes are told and new hustles are born. But its future is under threat, having become a target for local politicians.
“Shisha lounges are an essential part of the Muslim experience bruv, like the Fillet o Fish”
Aspiring journalist, Jihad wants to fight back.
After winning a competition to produce his own documentary, he sets out to create something that gives a voice to his community and challenges the usual stereotypes that fill the airwaves.
Will Jihad be able to create something that makes his boys proud? Or will his dreams of becoming a journalist come at a cost too high to bear?
“A good journalist doesn’t always play friendly. In fact, they mostly don’t”
Directed by Milli Bhatia, Blue Mist runs in the Royal Court Jerwood Theatre from Thursday 5 October to Saturday 18 November 2023.
Blue Mist is a co-production with SISTER, the production is designed by Tomás Palmer, with lighting design by Elliot Griggs, sound design by Elena Peña and movement direction by Theophilus O.Bailey. For more information, visit: royalcourttheatre.com
