Dugsi Dayz review

Before any of the four characters have stepped foot into “dugsi” – Islamic school – an establishing soundtrack sits us squarely in the supercharged headspace of the adolescent girl: Olivia Rodrigo, Wheatus’ Teenage Dirtbag. Sabrina Ali’s play, much like its pop playlist, sees youthful irreverence and punchy riffs butt up against sudden sincerity and confession, with a weighting that, though occasionally uneven, feels self-assured.

Borrowing its narrative framing from 1985 film The Breakfast Club, the play follows smouldering bad girl Hani, cheery Yasmin, wind-up merchant Munira, and teacher’s pet Salma across a weekend detention in their religious school. Director Poppy Clifford’s staging (originally co-directed by Warda Mohamed) perfects the simmering dynamism of the classroom, where any small gesture can bloom into a dance move or a showdown. Alliances are established early, with Munira, played by writer Ali, and Yasmin (Faduma Issa) producing a lively, bubbling best-friend patter that feels up to the minute, its teenage verbiage cringe-swervingly authentic. Susu Ahmed’s physicality makes her Salma, twitching with servility as she tries to both control and bond with her wayward classmates, particularly amusing, while Hadsan Mohamud plays Hani’s disdain to a withering T, erupting with scoffs and eye rolls. 

Continues...