Statues

Written and performed by Azan Ahmed
Two Magpies Productions in association with Bush Theatre
World Premiere

“He grew up to be a man whose sighs and slumps replaced sentences. Is that gonna be me?”

Days after his father’s passing, English teacher Yusuf discovers a dusty mixtape that changes everything he knew about a man who barely spoke.

Turns out, Mustafa spent the 90s rapping about pretty girls and Kilburn life, plotting dreams of superstardom with his best friend Omar. How did this passionate wordsmith become a silent statue?

Yusuf’s mourning is overtaken by a journey into the past. Threaded together by Omar’s thumping beats and his father’s bars, Yusuf uncovers secrets that turn his world upside-down.

Witty, honest, and deeply moving, Statues is a lyrical love letter to the original code switchers, exploring the impact of loss, and what you can gain from it. Written and performed by award-winning playwright Azan Ahmed (Deen & Dunya, The Father and the Assassin).

 Originally developed by Nuu Theatre.

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Production Manager
Writer
Set and Costume Designer
Director
Producer
Movement Director
Sound Designer and Composer
Stage Manager
Engagement Producer and Assistant Director
Originally developed by
Lighting Designer
Producer

Cast

Jonny Khan
Jonny Khan (he/him) is an actor, writer and DJ living in South London. His theatre work includes: The Tempest (RSC); Vanishing Room (New Diorama / English Theatre Frankfurt); Assembly: The Teachers Play (Almeida); Anthem (Bush); A Very Special Guest Star (Omnibus); United (New Vic). On television he has appeared in Sister Boniface (BBC). As a writer, Jonny is the recipient of the Bloom Bursary with Bush Theatre and is currently under commission with Camden People's Theatre.
Azan Ahmed
Azan Ahmed (he/him) is an award-winning actor, poet & playwright. As an actor, recent credits include: We Go Again (BBC Three); 10 Nights (Omnibus & tour); Van der Valk (ITV); The Father and the Assassin (National); Count Abdulla (ITVX) and The Tempest (Globe). His debut play Daytime Deewane (Half Moon & tour) won the 2023 Offie Award for Best Writing. He is currently being mentored by Roy Williams on the Hampstead Theatre INSPIRE cohort. Azan is an alumnus of Apples and Snakes Writing Room, Almeida Young Company & Bush Young Company. He also produces Deen & Dunya.

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