Jabala and the Jinn has been written for 5- to 8-year-olds and the online event will be followed by a post-show Q&A with the cast and creative team looking at the impact of Muslim representation in stories for younger audiences.
Developed with young British Muslim actors, Khan’s play blends physical theatre, music and new writing and is directed by Rosamunde Hutt. The actors helped devise the explore the different ideas and themes in order to champion diverse representation on the stage.
Playwright and actor Khan said, ‘We don’t see much theatre or [many] stories about British Muslims, particularly for this age group.
'These are children who are experiencing theatre for the first time, so seeing something that they can relate to will bring them back to the theatre again. It’s so important to see yourself represented. I know growing up I didn’t have that, and we can underestimate how important that is to children.’
Hutt, whose directing credits include Love, Bombs & Apples and The Snow Queen, said: ‘I'm delighted that despite these extraordinary times we are able to reach out to children and families with this play by award winning writer Asif Khan.
'Jabala and the Jinn is funny, poignant and full of heart, featuring three children who revel in the unexpected and face jeopardy and change with resilience and optimism. To complete the mix, we've got a vibrant set and lighting design and witty evocative original music. We're thrilled to be premiering this brand-new play at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry.’
The music is composed by James Hesford and the three-strong cast are Natalie Davies, Safiyya Ingar, and Jay Varsani.
Jabala and the Jinn is presented by AIK Productions and Turtle Key Arts in association with Belgrade Theatre Coventry, supported by Kala Sangam.
Tickets are £10 per stream and are available to purchase online here.