Exploring the complexities of culture, heritage and family, the National Theatre of Parramatta and Sydney Festival presents the world-premiere of James Elazzi’s Lady Tabouli at Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres this January.
Lebanese-Australian Danny yearns to live his best life, but acceptance seems impossible from his conservative family. It’s the day of his nephew’s baptism and Danny is godfather. Living back home with his religious Lebanese mother, he’s thrown into the maelstrom of preparations and high emotions.
The family can’t afford to lose face, especially with Danny recently and mysteriously calling off his engagement. But secrets will come out, and among the sugared almonds and balloon deliveries, Danny discovers the true colours of those closest to him. Where do you turn when the people you love refuse to accept the truth?
Unapologetic, piercing and deliciously funny, Lady Tabouli is James Elazzi’s unflinching clash of cultures and a searing look at how expectations can eat away at us until we decide to change the rules.
“James Elazzi is a powerful and vital new voice in Australian playwriting,” says director Dino Dimitriadis. “With humour and pathos he delves deep into culture, unafraid of the prickly questions and conversations.”
“Lady Tabouli is exactly the kind of play we need on our stages – one that has the power to collide the past with the present and one that champions the unheard stories and voices. This is only the beginning for this talented writer.”
Director: Dino Dimitriadis Featuring: Nisrine Amine, Deborah Galanos, Antony Makhlouf, Johnny Nasser Assistant Director: Bernadette Fam (Creative Futures) Production Designer: Jonathan Hindmarsh Lighting Designer: Benjamin Brockman Sound Designer: Ben Pierpoint Dramaturg: Hilary Bell Stage Manager: Hannah Crane
Lady Tabouli
Lennox Theatre – Riverside Theatres, Corner Church and Market Streets, Parramatta
Season: 11 – 18 January 2020 (preview: 10 January)
Information and Bookings: www.riversideparramatta.com.au
Image: Antony Makhlouf stars in Lady Tabouli (supplied)