Ay Kash / ای کاش / If Only

4 Oct 2025

  • Tickets
    £17.00
  • Venue
    Courtyard
  • Running time
    65 mins no interval
  • Content Advisories

Eleven young women in Afghanistan bravely share their memories, struggles, and dreams since the Taliban's return to power in 2021.

Faced with a choice between silence and speaking their truth, they chose courage. Through secret text messages sent under the constant threat of discovery, they revealed what the world was never meant to hear. 

Their voices come alive through film, song, drawings, object theatre, and animation – designed to protect their identities. 

This powerful show gives voice to women who have something vital to say – and the world must listen. 

Presented by Under the Starry Afghan Sky Collective with Cosmino Theatre. In Persian and English with English subtitles throughout.

Due to the sensitive nature of the performance and the safety of the eleven young women in Afghanistan, it is strictly forbidden to take photos / films or audio recordings during the performance.

Book tickets

Sat 4 Oct
PSD
Post Show Discussion
7.45pm

FIND OUT MORE

Since the withdrawal of Western forces in August 2021, the lives of women in Afghanistan have descended into unimaginable hardship. Not only have their fundamental rights been stripped away, but the very essence of their freedom has been shattered. Women in Afghanistan no longer possess the basic rights to live life fully—no freedom to education, to graduate, to love feely, to travel unaccompanied, to enjoy a simple walk in the park, or even to ride a bicycle. Under the oppressive rule of the Taliban, these women endure a public existence devoid of dignity, autonomy, and hope.

Under the Starry Afghan Sky is a collective formed by eleven courageous young women, aged between 15 and 23, who continue to navigate life in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. The collective emerged from the important work of Herat Online School (part of AEA: Afghanistan Education Action), founded by the educational activist Angela Ghayour, who herself fled Afghanistan in 1992. Facilitated by Rachel Karafistan of Cosmino Theatre, the project has taken on a unique form, with the young women participating in virtual sessions from the safety and solitude of their bedrooms since September 2022.

Ay Kash / ای کاش / If Only, recently garnered the prestigious Best Direction Award at the 37th International Theatre Festival Valise in Łomża, Poland. The jury commended the boldness of the performance and the profound power of its artistic expression. Their feedback emphasized that the performance’s impact surpasses that of traditional journalism, capturing the raw and urgent truth of the Afghan women’s struggle with unparalleled clarity and authenticity.

Production Images

Quote

Creatives

The eleven young women of Under the Starry Afghan Sky

Creators

Rachel Karafistan of Cosmino Theatre

Facilitator

Kuba Pierzchalski of Cosmino Theatre

Original Music and Video Editing

Anna Benner

Animations

Rhea Schmitt

Photos

Audio Flyer

00:0000:00
Soundcloud
  • MAJOR FUNDERS

    Arts Council
  • Leeds City Council
  • LTB Foundation
  • Founded by UK government
  • Suppoprted by west Yorkshire
  • Principal Partner

    Caddick Group
  • Principal Access Partner

    Irwin Mitchell