Q&A with Asif Khan, writer of Sisters 360

Discover how our brand-new show, Sisters 360 came to fruition in this Q&A with award-winning writer, Asif Khan.

Why did you want to write Sisters 360?

The idea first came from an article I found about three young Muslim sisters from Hull, who skateboarded and rapped. I loved how they were breaking so many stereotypes by simply skateboarding. I loved seeing photos of them looking so cool on their skateboards wearing their hijabs. Instantly, it felt like a good premise for a play, so I approached Polka Theatre with the idea and they liked the idea. Helen Matravers (Artistic Director) managed to get in touch with their mum and we arranged a Zoom call so I could interview them.

A few months later we did an R&D with two actors, and we workshopped the characters and potential storylines. Then I went away and wrote it – and as always I enjoy writing plays for children – you can really let your imagination run wild, and that’s what I did with this! It’s also important for me to create new plays with British Muslim characters, as I feel the representation is currently not there. Seeing yourself represented when you’re a child is important – I didn’t see it growing up myself, but I want it for my children. I often think about my own children when writing, what would they enjoy watching? It’s also really important for me to write stories which can tackle some of the negative stereotypes about Muslims.

Honestly, it’s been a joyful process from beginning to this stage, writing this play, and the Polka team have been incredibly supportive every step of the way. I can’t wait for us to bring it to life in the rehearsal room and then present it to the audience.

What themes of the play particularly resonate with you?

Firstly, I hope it inspires more girls to skateboard! The play is about ambition and dreams and working hard to achieve those dreams. If you put in the hard work, you can achieve anything. I watched lots of footage of Sky Brown at the Olympics again, who is spectacular. One video in particular was very inspiring, of her practising a new trick, falling off after every attempt, but simply getting up, without any sign of frustration, walking back and trying again and again, until finally nailing it. This ‘never give up’ attitude, in a 13 year old, was so impressive to watch. It also explores children navigating a situation where their parents decide to separate – and all the difficulties that comes with that. The emotional impact it has on them.

It’s also important to have fun new plays, with charming leading characters, who just happen to be Muslim. I want audiences of every background to love spending time with the sisters, and see them simply as two incredibly cool, inspiring British girls. The ‘Muslim’ part is not important, which actually, I hope, makes it important.

What can audiences expect from the show?

Lots and lots of fun. Adventure. Magic. Action. Energy. There’s lots of comedy, so I hope it makes audiences laugh. But there are emotional moments too. Moments of surprise, I hope. I really want audiences to get swallowed up in the story and route for the girls. There will be plenty of skateboarding, so I hope visually, it will be a treat.

What advice would you give for any budding young playwrights out there?

Firstly just write and write. Don’t think too hard. Just let the pen write, or fingers type, get those words on the page, even if you don’t yet believe in them. Once you have something there you can then edit and play around with things. Write from your heart, write exactly what you see and feel, even if what you see and feel is uncomfortable or ugly. The audience will connect with it if it all grows from truth.

Have fun. It’s a process, it takes time. I would also recommend using a timer, I do two hours of writing a time, even if you are just researching, or working on character biogs, or brainstorming, or working out the structure of the story, or even if you are sat there thinking and staring at a blank page, and don’t feel as if you’re accomplishing anything – believe me you are! You will always move forward in some way. But you have to force yourself to commit to that time, to write without distraction. When things start to flow it will feel good, but then you might feel stuck and that will be frustrating, but it’s all part of the journey.

Finally, can you sum up the show in three words?

Adventure. Comedy. Magic.

Sisters 360 runs in Polka’s Adventure Theatre from Saturday 22 March – Sunday 27 April.
Tickets from £11*
Recommended for ages 8-12
*A £2.50 transaction fee applies to telephone and online bookings.

A Polka Theatre, AIK and Turtle Key Arts co-production, in association with Leeds Playhouse.