Sabrina Ali (middle) accepts her Popcorn Writing Award, which is presented annually at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. (Photo courtesy of Sabrina Ali).
In August, Sabrina Ali’s play Dugsi Dayz won the annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival’s Popcorn Writing Award. Her prize includes support from theatre, film and TV production company Popcorn Group, and the BBC Writersroom. Dugsi Dayz, produced by Side eYe Productions, is a hilarious and authentic exploration of friendship between four Somali girls, and a celebration of British Muslim culture set in a religious school. The young Somali British actor and playwright took time from her busy schedule to talk to The Muslim News about her run-away hit play, representation in the arts and future projects.
First, congratulations on winning the Popcorn Writing Award 2023. How did it feel to win such a prestigious award?
Thank you! It was truly surreal. With so many incredible plays in the running, just being nominated was an honour. Winning felt incredibly rewarding and validating!
Can you tell our readers about your play, Dugsi Dayz, and the idea behind it?
A comedic exploration of Somali and Muslim culture and female friendship inspired by the 1985 movie The Breakfast Club [A coming-of-age comedy-drama set in a morning detention]. It was inspired by memories of Dugsi (the Somali word for Islamic school, which considered to be a rite of passage for most Somalis.)
Dugsi Dayz is a hit, but was there ever a concern that non-Somalis and non-Muslims would struggle to understand or relate to an inherently Somali Muslim story?
At first, there was a concern that non-Somalis and non-Muslims might struggle to connect with the inherently Somali Muslim story. However, I crafted this play for a specific audience that I knew would relate to it. Also, the themes in the play, like detention and the characters, are all universal experiences that everyone can connect with.
What does the disproportionate underrepresentation of Muslims, and particularly Muslim women, in film, television, and theatre mean for the finished products?
It means we’re missing out on diverse perspectives and stories that could enrich our entertainment and culture.
Idris Elba made headlines earlier this year when he said that he no longer refers to himself as a “black actor” because the label puts him in a “box”. Can you relate to the quandary of wanting to be represented while also being afraid of being “pigeonholed” as a “Muslim” or “Somali” actor?
Absolutely. I’m proud of my heritage, but I also want my work to be seen beyond those labels.
What pitfalls should writers avoid when creating Muslim characters? That is, how can one avoid cliches in their writing?
Avoid cliches and stereotypes in Muslim character writing by diving into resources like Riz Ahmed’s test for authenticity [a set of criteria for measuring how Muslims are portrayed on screen, inspired by the actor’s 2017 House of Commons speech].
What film or drama do you think has great Muslim character writing?
I was impressed by the authentic Muslim character writing in ‘Skam,’ particularly the character ‘Sana.’ It was one of the first instances in which I encountered such a well-crafted representation.
What advice would you give to budding Muslim women who wish to venture into acting, writing, filmmaking, or producing?
My advice to budding Muslim women in the creative industry is to just start! If you’re passionate about it and have stories to share, find like-minded people and bring those stories to life. Don’t let inexperience hold you back; everyone starts somewhere.
What are your future goals for you and Side eYe Productions?
We’re looking to expand our tour for ‘Dugsi Dayz’ to reach more cities and audiences. Additionally, I’m eager to develop new screen and stage projects in the future.
Elham Asaad Buaras
