Sisters 360 premieres at Polka’s Adventure Theatre before embarking on a run at Leeds Playhouse, plus a community and schools tour, followed by being part of the ‘Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture programme’ in May.
Fatima(Sara Abanur) and Salima(Farah Ashraf) are the closest, coolest, hijabi step-sisters in all of Bradford and they will win the Tiny is Mighty skateboarding competition, there is no doubt about it.
They’ve practised every trick in the book, and look (almost) as good as Sky Brown on the telly, just check out their YouTube Channel if you’re not convinced. Nothing will stop them. Except their parents have started whispering in the kitchen about living apart… about moving to different cities… only seeing each other in school holidays. How will they perfect their routine and win gold if their whole lives are about to turn 360 too? Only the greatest super plan ever concocted will help them achieve their dreams.
Inspired by real-life skateboarding sisters Layna, Maysa and Amaya, and their hero Olympic Medallist Sky Brown.
Written by Asif Khan (Jabala And The Jinn) and directed by Ameera Conrad, Sisters 360’s creative team also comprises Set and Costume Designer Erin C Guan, Sound Designer and Composer Holly Khan, Movement Director Rachel-Leah Hosker, Puppet Maker and Designer Mikayla Teodoro, and Puppet Director Roman Stefanski.
Writer Asif Khan said. ‘Sisters 360 was inspired by three young Muslim sisters from Hull, who themselves were inspired by 13-year-old skateboarder Sky Brown at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to take up the sport and showcase their new hobby loudly and proudly to the world. I loved how the sisters were breaking so many stereotypes, not only about being Muslim, but also being girls skateboarding.
It’s been an extremely difficult period for many in the Muslim community and I hope this new play will, in a small way, go to provide some joy and positive representation, as well as being a really fun experience at the theatre. I can guarantee that Fatima and Salima are truly, the coolest people to hang out with!’
Artistic Director Helen Matravers said, ‘Asif’s portrayal of Fatima and Salima’s love for one another, for their family and for their new-found passion in skateboarding is so wonderfully funny and full of magic, I can’t wait to share this show with Polka audiences and schools – it is an exceptional piece of new writing. It’s a story which will hopefully inspire and tackle difficult conversations around family for young people, but mostly shout very loudly (from the top of half pipes) about taking on any challenge and being whoever you want to be. It feels like an important show for young people to see, and is written with so much care and humour that it will entertain all ages. In the hands of such an incredible and bold creative team, the rigour and excellence in this piece will shine for all to see’.
Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB from Saturday 22 March to Sunday 27 April 2025. Tickets: From £11.
Aprrox one hour.
Box office: https://polkatheatre.com/event/sisters-360/ – 020 8543 4888
