REVIEW: Dugsi Dayz, The Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic – ‘A fizzing, authentic delight’’

Side Eye are a theatre collective dedicated primarily to amplifying uplifting stories from Black Muslim women.

In conjunction with Kayd Somali Arts and Culture, they are now touring Dugsi Dayz, a play that is utterly emblematic of that goal, inspired by John Hughes’ classic 1985 film The Breakfast Club.

Bringing a flavour of British-Somali experience in all its myriad and distinct iterations, the play unfolds through joyful characterisations of four unique girls sharing an hour of detention at dugsi (the Somali word for Islamic school).

None of the group are giving much away about what they each did to find themselves killing time on a Saturday in the boy’s section of the mosque – where, they are surprised to find, in contrast with the girl’s side, there is air conditioning.

There isn’t much in the way of plot; we’re all there, in that room with them, sensing the elasticity of time that detention may have come to symbolise in our own teenhoods, as well as the frenzied silliness that boredom can unlock. It’s a delight to watch.

Dugsi Dayz – photo: Guy J Sanders

Each of the four-strong ensemble is brilliantly drawn. Between them, as a sudden power cut plunges them into semi-darkness, they have a raft of different experiences and opinions to call upon, passing the time by telling their own re-invented folk tales, ostensibly imbued with life lessons for younger Somali girls.

The script is pin sharp, fizzing with sharp put downs, and allows plenty of space for the characters to embed their lines with vibrant physicality.

Sabrina Ali is quick witted and hilarious as Munira, the class clown, though not without her vulnerable side when cajoled by the others for her dyslexia. Susu Ahmed is Salma, the teachers’s pet, gleefully slammed by her peers for not owning a TV or keeping up with cultural references.

‘Queen B’ (Faduma Issa) is a would-be TikTok star with “cheap balayage” hair, warning of the dangers of rogue men. The tight-lipped Hani (Hadsan Mohamud) is an enigmatic girl around whom rumours abound – mostly, it transpires, started by Munira, who frankly, steals the show.

Amongst the gossip, rumour, witty barbs, outrage and 90s pop, there is also palpable affection between the girls, and ultimately, it’s a celebration of female friendship and cultural connection that shines through.

Ali wrote Dugsi Dayz in response to her frustration at the paucity of roles for Muslim women characters on TV, and the lack of depth or nuance to those that do make it onto screen.

It’s a joy to see so many distinct hallmarks of Somali sisterhood portrayed by these characters, garnering such ripples of recognition and warmth from the audience. And to see a packed Weston Studio on their feet at the end, was a real thrill.

Main photo: Guy J Sanders

Read more: Review: Choir Boy, Bristol Old Vic – ‘The entire cast are a joy to behold’

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: