Oh my dayz: by Somali women, for everyone
Illustration: Dugsi Dayz, Royal Court website
Daniel Nelson
British-Somali writer Sabrina Ali enjoyed making her friends laugh at school and now she’s making audiences laugh at the Royal Court theatre.
Little happens in Dugsi Dayz, and there’s virtually no character development: it’s simply four clearly delineated girls — Munira, Hani, Yasmin and Salma — talking, needling, coaxing, shouting. But the sharp, snappy dialogue holds the stage, helped by sharp, snappy acting. And it’s infectious fun, that leaves you with a smile on your face.
The lively, lippy quartet are in detention at their dugsi, Islamic school. The Godot for whom they are waiting, is their absent teacher. He is respected and mocked, a twin-pronged attack line that reflects almost all their views, whether the targets are Somali aunties wearing vampire cloaks or attractive men who stop making an effort to please and impress once they are married.
The girls’ concerns will bring echoing memories to Somali audiences and perhaps humanising insights for non-Somalis.
They are irrepressible and their rumbustious banter is witty, feisty, honest, immature, ridiculous, superstitious, empathetic and entertaining.
Even a short play such as this needs a change of pace of tone, and it comes from Hani, “an introverted rebel with a sharp tongue. She keeps to herself, doesn’t fit in and prefers her own company.”
She has only recently returned to the group after a mysterious absence, is feared by the others and is the source of wild speculation (“There is nothing haram about having a baby in Year 9”). When finally she tells of her experiences, the others are — momentarily — silenced and sympathetic, acknowledging the reality and import of one aspect of Somali migrant culture.
So ok, there’s a “message” in the play. Perhaps messages, written, co-directed, produced and pderformed by Somali women. But above all it’s disarming, high-energy, joyful entertainment.
8 May, Post-show discussion with playwright Sabrina Ali.
Dugsi Dayz, £15-£25, is at the Royal Court, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS until 18 May. Info: https://royalcourttheatre.com/whats-on/dugsi-dayz/