Mohamed-Zain Dada’s debut play, Blue Mist, reveals a talent for sparkling dialogue, and a cynical view of modern journalism. His three protagonists, long-time friends, Jihad (Omar Bynon), Rashid (Arian Nik), and Asif (Salman Akhtar) see Chunkyz Shisha Lounge as a comfortable, safe space to hang out. It’s a place to shoot the breeze, share stories, make plans, and chill out.
However, when Jihad decides to make a documentary about Shisha bars and their cultural importance, it takes on added importance for the aspiring journalist. Make the right sort of cutting-edge, click-worth content, and new media startup Ajami Media might just make him a national name.
The early scenes in Dada’s play are terrific, bubbling with a natural, and sympathetic comedy. The three characters come fully to life, young men with overlapping but ultimately very different lives. Love-lorn Asif is the group wise-mouth, and font of gossip; Fitness instructor Asif is a natural motivator with heart worn proudly upon his sleeve. Then there’s Jihad, of whom great things have long been expected, deeply fond of his friends, but desperate to make his mark.
The three actors give fine performances. Bynon charms even as his character falls from grace. Akhtar brings something of Joe Pesci to his sharp, but frustrated Asif. Yet it’s Nik who threatens to steal every scene with an abundance of natural charm. Each also proves game, and able when Movement director Theophilus O. Bailey – Godson spices up the drama with a touch of modern choreography.
Together, their interactions have all the marks of a tight social group, full of mick-taking, tall tales, and mutual support. Then there’s Chunky, never seen on set, but hugely present all the same. Asif introduces him early on, detailing a fabled journey to Cyprus, and of a quasi-magical adventure at the ‘Muslim Hogwarts.’ He’s taller than life, and a friend to all, and his bar is very much Chunky’s gift to the community.
Funny, sweet, and deftly directed by Milli Bhatia, no audience will fail to be captivated by this prolonged opening gambit. It’s not only funny but a rich conjuration of a diverse and active South Asian Muslim community in Great Britain. There’s warmth running through every story of Uncles and Aunties getting up to all sorts, and bittersweet comedy to each misadventure in love.
When Jihad’s dream starts to turn sour, Dada has already made Jihad’s social group and Chunkyz itself hugely meaningful. So when Ajami Media starts pushing for more ‘bad’ to counter all the good he’s begun to report, the threat is immediately palpable. Though he tries to push back, threats of being let go begin to tarnish his dreams of ‘serious journalism’ with an edge of nightmare.
This interior world of Jihad’s is manifest in the titular ‘Blue Mist’ which rolls in at times to play out his hopes and fears in abstract vignettes. The mist is a useful device, but as events fall out these asides can begin to feel a little superfluous. Further, it may be a product of having to wrap matters up within 90 minutes, but Ajami Media’s corrupting influencers can sometimes seem one step short of moustache twirling.
Nonetheless, the fates of the characters continue to offer a captivating journey, their individual, and shared arcs played out with weighty inevitability. We watch Jihad climb aboard a train to stardom he knows will ride roughshod over his friends’ trust. Can he jump off before it costs both he and them more than any can imagine? Or will he be seduced by the idea of making a name now, so he can make something true after?
Designer Tomás Palmer is to be congratulated on his set, a sunken square lined with green upholstered banquettes, and a table for the Hookah at the centre. Behind, the great neon sign for ‘CHUNKYZ’ is writ large, revealing itself climbable late in the play to offer yet another dimension for the action. Blue Mist is made to be seen in the round, focusing all eyes on the lounge, and creating a totally appropriate sense of scrutiny. The clever transformation of this central space as good intentions to lead to hell is truly impactful.
It’s a quality set for a quality and important production. The play squarely confronts the often relentless demonisation of Muslims in Western Media and links this to commercial interests as well as societal prejudice. Those prejudices are acknowledged, but Jihad’s temptations result from an overwhelming desire to make it in the journalism industry. At any point, he can say ‘no’.
How can we expect truly balanced, objective reporting, Dada asks, when podcast journalists first ask ‘What will generate the most traffic?’ How can society ever form a properly informed view of South Asian Muslim communities when the worst, most sensationalised reporting sells best?
In the final reckoning, Mohamed-Zain Dada has announced himself in style. A true ear for comedy married to a willingness to explore challenging subject matter makes him one to watch. Funny, poignant, and hard-hitting, Blue Mist will blow you away.
Blue Mist is a co-production of the Royal Court production and SISTER.
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