Salaam – VAULT Festival 2019

'SALAAM' is a new play written by Sara Aniqah Malik, debuting at the VAULT Festival 2019 with performances from 30th January to 3rd February. The piece explores the recent rise in Islamophobia in the UK, specifically London.

The piece examines this rise as a response to the spike of Islamist terrorism during Ramadan 2017. A month which, although peaceful and revitalising, was set against a constant fear of street level racism and Islamophobia. This piece explores this cycle of Islamist terrorism and Islamaphobia through the experience of two Muslim women with a focus on mental health. It seems the mainstream discourse on racism excludes the emotional impact it has on victims and family members, which this piece addresses

We believe that this piece will unlock parts of the conversation surrounding Islamophobia that needs to be addressed: how do everyday Muslims experience racism? How do we strengthen our own community? And what do we want our future in the UK to look like? The VAULTS Festival is one of the biggest theatre festivals in the UK, attracting over 70,000 audience members in 2018. By presenting the play there, we are able to hold this conversation on a sizeable platform and invite British Muslims to participate.

SYNOPSIS

London. 2017. The first night of Ramadan. Mother and daughter prepare to break the fast. Quiet, alone, and at peace, they prepare for a night of contemplation. A crash. Glass shatters. Everything is changed.

‘SALAAM’ is a lyrical, experimental investigation into what it means to be Muslim in London today. Linking Islamist terror attacks and the resulting spike of Islamophobia, ‘SALAAM’ uses the lens of two Muslim women to explore mental health issues and the nature of gendered racial abuse.

It seeks to speak the language of London today and asks us how to make a better London of tomorrow.

WHY WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

The project is currently unfunded, and is relying on box office income to cover production and personnel costs. In order to make sure that we are able to cover our costs and not be out of pocket ourselves, we are asking for donations. It is so hard for emerging theatre professionals to get work out there due to the lack of funding in the industry, so any donation you are able to give would be a massive help in getting this important play out there.

TEAM

Director/Writer: Sara Aniqah Malik

Producer: Niall Dingle

Set Designer: Roisin Martindale

Lighting Designer: Samuel Morley

Composer: Kristina Arakelyan