★★☆☆☆
10 Nights is a one-man exploration of guilt, grief, and spiritual discovery, written by Shahid Iqbal Khan and performed by the undeniably talented Adeel Ali. At its core, this play attempts to tackle the universal themes of redemption and self-reflection through the lens of a young British Pakistani man reconnecting with his faith. While the concept has significant potential, the production stumbles in its execution, leaving much of its promise unfulfilled.
Ali delivers a standout performance, skillfully embodying a range of characters and breathing life into Yasser, the play's conflicted protagonist. From Yasser’s father—a stern yet loving presence—to the fiery Usman and the devout Salah, Ali’s physicality and vocal nuances make each character distinct and engaging. His ability to shift seamlessly between roles is further enhanced by the captions in Urdu and English projected onto the back screen, ensuring the audience is never lost in the transitions.
Yasser’s story begins with humour and relatability, from his self-deprecating remarks about his tracksuit and crocs to his awkward adjustment to the conditions of Itikaf, a 10-day spiritual cleanse over Ramadan, during which every day comforts are cast away in favour of prayers, isolation, and fasting. Moments like his reaction to the shared toilet facilities, and breaking the fourth wall drew laughs from the audience, and Ali's dynamic use of the minimalist set helped transform the stage into various environments with ease.
However, the narrative falters under its own weight. The story introduces compelling threads—Yasser’s relationship with his late friend Aftab, his struggles with alcoholism, and his social media addiction—but fails to weave them into a cohesive tapestry. Key elements, such as the constant references to the Tesco and Asda bags for life or the initial focus on TikTok, feel underdeveloped, leaving the audience to piece together meanings that should have been made clearer.
One of the play’s strengths lies in its educational aspect, offering insights into Islamic practices without veering into academic territory. For many audience members, this might be their first encounter with the concept of Itikaf, and the script handles these moments with grace, blending religious scripture and cultural context into Yasser’s journey.
Yet, the production itself feels constrained by its limitations. The graphics, sound, and lighting, while functional, lacked the polish and ambition needed to elevate the material. Performed in a sparsely filled main auditorium, the show struggled to generate the intimacy and energy it might have achieved in a smaller, black-box venue.
Ultimately, 10 Nights has the bones of something powerful—a story of redemption, faith, and personal growth that could resonate deeply. With a tighter script, enhanced production values, and a more focused narrative, it could truly shine. For now, the saving grace is Adeel Ali, whose performance alone makes this an evening worth considering, even if the play as a whole doesn’t quite deliver on its potential.
Comments