maatin is a British Indian, London-based writer, dramaturg, and producer who focuses on Muslim storytelling, working across theatre, radio, television, and film. He joins us on Close-Up Culture to tell us more about his show, Duck…
Hi! First things first, how are you?
I’m really well, thank you for asking! I’m currently on a road trip in America, a nd everyone asks you how you are all the time, which I really enjoy the novelty of , and appreciate.
In your own words, can you describe for us what your show is about?
Duck is the story of Ismail , a fifteen-year-old boy , over the course of a very formative summer, told through his eyes. Ismail’s the star cricket player at his very posh, very elitist school in London (the sort you hear about because of how many Prime Ministers went there). A t the start of the season, Ismail’s got his sights on becoming the best batsman in school history. But things don’t go as planned, and we get to see how this teenager deals with adversity for the first time in his life really. And in the background – the play is set in 2005 in London, you’ve got England trying to win the Ashes, and the 7/7 London bombings take place. Which adds a layer of context for Ismail, who has to figure out what it means to be Brown, to be Muslim, at this age, in this place, at this time.
And if you were to condense that into three words, what would they be?
Energetic, empathetic, emotional (please forgive the alliteration, it was the only way I was capable of doing this.)
What has preparation for the Fringe looked like for you so far?
While we’re remounting the show from a run at the Arcola in London, I’ve reworked it from a 90-minute version to a 60-minute, Fringe-friendly edition. We’ve also cast a new actor, which is such a thrill for me to get to see another incredible Brown performer take on the role.
What do you want audiences to take away from seeing your show?
I write primarily f or tho se who can relate to the specific experiences that a character like Ismail goes through, so for them I hope it’s a cathartic experience that makes them feel seen, heard, or understood in their own encounters. And for others, I believe there’s plenty beyond the play to consider, such as the fact that Ismail’s story like this is by no means unique, and the of the events of that summer on a generation of Muslims under conditions that persist to this day.
How did you come up with the concept of your performance?
My first desire as a writer is to expand the canon of Muslim storytelling. A one-person show about a British south Asian, Muslim teenage boy who has the world at his feet felt like nothing I’d ever seen on stage before at that time. The setting was inspired by my own experiences as one of the only brown kids attending a very old, elitist, white public school in the early 2000s. But rather than the character stick out for being different, I felt like a more interesting starting point would be for them to firmly fit in. They’re popular, they’re succeeding. Then by tipping the balance and seeing what happens to them, we can ask a question: how their class and wealth privilege can take them if their skin is still brown? Cricket felt like an amazing way to explore this – the duality of Englishness and Indianness within the sport, the idea of the good immigrant as accepted for their elite talent, the notion of manners and an honour code in the game. I wanted to unpick those themes and question their validity.
Edinburgh Fringe is certainly an incredibly busy event, what are you most looking forward to doing whilst there?
It’s my first time ever going to Fringe (!) so I fully plan to make the most of the experience, and cram as much as possible in. I’m particularly excited to support fellow creatives of colour, the other amazing Charlie Hartill Fund winners, and definitely see some stand up.
Where can people catch your show this summer?
Duck is playing at Pleasance Courtyard Beneath, at 1540 daily, from 31 July – 26 Aug (exc. 12, 19 Aug) . It’s directed by Imy Wyatt Corner, who’s been by my side for the past three years developing this work, and stars the wonderful Qasim Mahmood as Ismail.
And w here can people follow your work?
@maatin on social and I’ve started Two Magpies Productions to produce more Muslim storytelling – so find me there and reach out with a project you’d like to develop together!
Finally, what would be your dream venue or theatre to perform at?
My dream venue is a big, packed house with low-cost tickets and tons of Brown people in attendance – so I’m always working to find ways to build that utopia!
SHOW LINK: https://pleasance.co.uk/event/duck
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