RAH is a bold and unfiltered exploration of mixed identity, belonging, and personal storytelling. Blending sharp humour, raw emotion, and moments of surrealism, the play unpacks what it means to live between cultures and carry stories that are often silenced.

Set 60 minutes before iftar, the story centres on Manal as she prepares food and waits for her family to arrive. She speaks candidly to her white boyfriend – a disembodied presence who often becomes each member of the audience – and reveals that fasting has never been difficult for her, not with a history of disordered eating.

Through Manal’s intimate monologue, RAH explores the contradictions of identity – feeling both too much and not enough, constantly translating yourself for others, and the pressure to represent a community while also just trying to survive. The play touches on her relationship with her body, her cultural heritage, middle-class friendships, and the fear and grief connected to honour killings. There are moments of levity too – her obsession with Timothée Chalamet and the Twilight saga brings both humour and humanity into the space.

RAH was written in memory of Amina and Sarah Said, and Shafilea Ahmed, all victims of honour killings. It gives voice to women who were denied the chance to live freely and speak their truths, honouring their memory with brutal honesty and compassion.

The play received critical praise for its emotional depth and inventive approach to storytelling. It was performed at multiple venues and longlisted for the RSC’s 37 Plays project.

As part of its continued evolution, excerpts from RAH will be featured in an upcoming video series, exploring its themes through a visual and multimedia lens.

At its heart, RAH is about survival, identity, and the quiet hope that healing – and a sense of home – is possible.