STAGE: Writer Naylah Ahmed on her political thriller 'Ready or Not'

Written by Naylah Ahmed it is a reflection of the chaotic political and social times we live in.  

The play explores loss, guilt and the fallout from collateral damage in a warring world where there are no rules and the enemy could be anyone.

The cast is led by prolific British stage and TV actress Joan Blackham who plays Pat; Naeem Hayat plays Yusuf; Natasha Rickman plays Holly.

Here, Writer Naylah tells us about the play and how audiences may be able to relate to the content.

What inspired you to write Ready or Not?
"It's difficult to put a finger on exactly what inspires a play - and it's never any one thing - but perhaps ‘the world post 9/11’ has inspired it. It isn't and could never be all encompassing, it's just one response to aspects of our world since the early 2000s. Throughout the writing process, the concept of ‘collateral damage’ has been central. What it means to unpack the outer concentric circles of collateral damage that affect us, here."  

Are the characters based on people you know?
"They must be to some extent. But the joy and pleasure of writing is that they're a collage of people with a little imagination thrown in, and so ultimately they are individuals in their own right."

What do you think your lead character, Pat, mostly fears?
"Perhaps the stark truth that, ultimately, she’s to blame? She seems to have craved her own space for a very long time, and now she’s found it she has an unwelcome companion, an ugly guilt. That’s what she’s running from."

Tell us about the young man, Yusuf, in the play
"What interests me about Yusuf is that he's grown up in a world where being an Asian Muslim male carries a lot of baggage. He was just a kid in 2001, so he’s grown up in this escalating climate of fear/paranoia. It’s fascinating how some younger people have an amazing positivity and fresh approach to life as a Muslim in the UK or West. They don’t carry all of our baggage, perhaps because this world is all they know."

Is being Muslim in the UK harder or easier today than it was before the ‘war on terror’ escalated?
"That's a big and interesting question - one I can only answer for myself, of course. 
I believe it's both. It is difficult to constantly have to address issues around your identity (whether explicitly or more implicitly) while navigating all the usual ups and downs of life. 
"This microscopic lens over us has resulted in some people really scrutinising their beliefs and exploring the faith more closely, which is good thing in many ways. The situation is still unfolding of course, and will for many years to come. I feel that’s why it’s vital for creative work to reflect, explore, unpack the experiences as these are markers in the sand as the world changes around us."

Could ‘Ready or Not’ take place in any country or is it specific to the UK?
"That’s interesting – it’s set in the UK but, in the current climate, I imagine it could take place in many countries around the world."

What do you hope audiences will get from seeing Ready Or Not?
"First and foremost a satisfying story told through engaging characters. Whatever our reasons for writing, the ultimate goal is to keep people engaged for the time they’re watching. If audience members go away and think about the situation further, discuss it - that’s a big bonus. The play hangs on a simple point, that every life matters."

What’s next for Naylah Ahmed?
Hopefully another stage play - I’m currently developing a couple of ideas to see which is ripe for the picking. I’m also at the early stages of development for some radio and television dramas."

Ready Or Not tour dates:
April 5th 6th Birmingham mac                                                           www.birminghammac.co.uk 
April 7th 8th   Canterbury Marlowe Theatre                                     www.marlowetheatre.com 
April 11th-29th   London, Arcola Theatre                                              www.arcolatheatre.com 
May 16th-20th  Plymouth, Drum Theatre at the Theatre Royal       www.theatreroyal.com