What are the themes of your play?
The Last Days is a play about grief, unlikely friendships, and love, with its most prominent theme being the struggle of living while stuck in grief. It begs the question about how one can lead a life without ever fully healing from devastating loss. The story follows Ahmed, a terminally ill elderly man and one of the sole survivors of a shipwreck that claimed his wife and children. His extraordinary life, chronicled in a memoir, reflects his experiences as a refugee—meeting his wife, surviving unimaginable tragedies, seeking refuge in the U.K., and building a life despite his pain. As Ahmed grapples with terminal cancer and the challenge of finishing his memoir, he forms an unlikely bond with Layla, a young aspiring editor who becomes deeply invested in his story. The play explores themes of mortality, resilience, and storytelling as a way to preserve legacy, while Ahmed’s friendship with Layla brings healing, hope, and renewal in his final days. Through their connection, the narrative highlights the redemptive power of human relationships amidst profound grief.
Why did you write it and why now?
In the early 1990s, during the Somali Civil War, there was a tragic shipwreck. The ship, meant to carry hundreds of refugees fleeing the conflict, was set to depart from Kismayo, Somalia. My family was on a small boat heading toward the ship, but like many others, they jumped off upon realizing how unsafe it looked. That story has stayed with me, how one decision can change the trajectory of your life. This and countless other stories about my family’s experience as refugees have inspired me to write this play. Growing up around loved ones who had survived war, I witnessed how unresolved grief and trauma can linger, shaping lives for decades. I wanted to write a story in honour of those who feel stuck in grief—those who, as years and decades pass, are consumed by regret over the past. When my great-uncle passed away, I felt compelled to create this story. The protagonist shares many traits with my uncle, who was witty, dramatic, and hilarious. It felt right to explore this narrative through the lens of a man like him. The shipwreck occurred 34 years ago and was ultimately a consequence of British colonialism, which paved the way for the instability that displaced millions of people. Sadly, this story remains as relevant today as it was then, as the world continues to grapple with the devastating effects of Western imperialism.
Which playwrights are you influenced by and why?
There are so many amazing playwrights that I am influenced by. One is Roy Williams. He is one of my favourite playwrights, and reading Sucker Punch was honestly life-changing. The play delved into the Black British experience so eloquently, and the way he explored themes of identity and belonging through such a personal lens was groundbreaking. Roy’s ability to capture the struggles of race and class while creating something so heartfelt and authentic is truly inspiring. I would love to write stories that have that same level of emotional depth and truth! I’m also a massive fan of Debbie Tucker Green and adore her work. I read her play Random and was blown away by her poetic yet raw storytelling. It was the first time I felt a play could be both intimate and universally resonant, and her mastery of rhythm and dialogue is something I deeply admire.
What do you hope to achieve as a playwright?
All of my stories are shaped by my identity as a Black British Muslim woman. I’m passionate about creating narratives that give people from backgrounds like mine the opportunity to see themselves represented on stage. I also want to create work that stays with people long after they’ve seen it. There have been moments when I’ve left a theatre, dreaming about the worlds created by the playwright and creative team. Ultimately, I hope to inspire others in the same way I feel inspired by my favourite playwrights