New Play Explores Muslim Queer Love, Attracts Young Audiences

A new play titled “Maybe You Could Love Me” is captivating audiences with its exploration of a Muslim queer love story. Written by playwright Samah Meghjee, the production is making its world premiere at the Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis. This engaging coming-of-age narrative is drawing in a youthful audience, particularly millennials and members of Gen Z, eager for stories that resonate with their experiences.

The play centers on two best friends, Noor and Sajida, portrayed by Ashembaga Jaafaru and Sushma Saha, respectively. Growing up in Florida, the characters navigate their friendship against the backdrop of family expectations and time spent at their local mosque. Their contrasting family dynamics—one with two parents and the other raised by a single mother—forge a bond that is tested throughout the narrative.

Character Development and Themes

Set primarily in Noor’s bedroom, adorned with a modified picture of singer Aaliyah, the staging reflects the inner world of its protagonist. Designed by Mina Kinukawa, the room serves as both a sanctuary and a limitation for Noor. The play shifts between different ages, capturing the friends at pivotal moments—from their innocent childhood sleepovers at age eight to the tumultuous teenage years and into adulthood at age twenty-six.

This structure allows for a profound exploration of the characters’ evolving identities and desires. The themes of love, sexuality, and cultural expectations are addressed with an honesty that resonates with contemporary young audiences. The playbill includes a content warning for “adult language and situations, swearing, references to sexual relationships, and homophobia,” indicating its candid approach. Notably, a shiny purple vibrator is used as a metaphor within the narrative, adding humor and depth to the storyline while prompting discussions about sexuality.

Performance and Reception

The opening weekend saw a vibrant turnout at Mixed Blood Theatre, highlighting the effectiveness of producer Theater Mu in attracting younger viewers. The play’s engaging tone and relatable themes have sparked laughter and reflection. Jaafaru’s portrayal of Noor is particularly striking; her character is confident yet grappling with the complexities of her identity, insisting she is not a lesbian, as such a label would be considered haram.

Saha skillfully navigates her character’s journey from childhood innocence to adult strength, showcasing a seamless transformation throughout the play. The second act introduces a tonal shift toward the dramatic, allowing both actors to demonstrate their range. Noor’s emotional trajectory contrasts with Sajida’s, as their paths diverge, symbolizing the complexities of friendship and identity.

“Maybe You Could Love Me” offers a nuanced portrayal of two intertwined lives, revealing the struggles and triumphs inherent in their experiences. The play runs until September 28, with performances scheduled at 7:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets range from $10 to $60, with a pay-as-you-are option available.

As the production continues to garner attention, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in connecting with younger generations, illustrating the universal themes of love and identity through a distinctly Muslim lens.