Veronica’s Score: 4 stars
The likes of James Elazzi, a talented young playwright from a non-Anglo background, are oft described as being a vital, new voice. I’ve probably done this myself. In truth, the voices were always there. They exist alongside the dominant stage culture, only invisible because it requires theatre companies to be willing to risk and make room for others to tell stories from their perspective.
Apocalypse Theatre is one such company, so is Green Door Theatre Company and The National Theatre of Parramatta, who have all been involved in getting Elazzi’s breakthrough piece of writing, Lady Tabouli, to the Sydney Festival stage. It would be remiss of me not to mention Griffin Theatre Company, where I saw the first incarnation of this work in May last year as part of the Batch Festival. That experience of seeing an authentic version of my extended family in the small space lead me and many others to this production. It feels like a new play, having undergone extensive rewrites, and it is all the better for it.
The action is still set over a day in the western Sydney home of a Lebanese-Australian family. It is a significant day as the christening of a grandson is taking place at considerable expense. Everyone is playing their part. In an often hilarious, extended scene in the sleek kitchen, preparations are underway, and we are introduced to the key family members – the infant’s young mother, Josephine (Nisrine Amine) her mother Dana and uncle Mark (Deborah Galanos and Johnny Nasser), as well as her brother and the soon-to-be godfather, Danny (Antony Makhlouf). There is also an aunty calling from Lebanon on speakerphone as we absorb the mayhem unfolding before our eyes. Dominating the scene is a newly acquired statue of the Virgin Mary plonked on the island bench, hands open and snake underfoot among the blue helium balloons and Bomboniere.
Little does anyone know that a fuse has been lit, and a bomb is about to detonate. You see, Danny is gay, and instead of continuing to deceive his fiancée, he has told her the truth and broken off their engagement. It is only a matter of time until the news reaches this kitchen. Danny is a man who knows himself, so it will be his family who must confront their beliefs as he won’t be seen as the problem.
The play captures something specific about the lives of those who share Elazzi’s cultural roots while being very accessible at the same time. It explores family and “ethnic guilt” and how religion can affect everything: sex, communication, as well as the physical and sensory environment of a household.
Director Dino Dimitriades has cast actors who share a similar background to their characters, and the performances are uniformly excellent.
This show is a joy to behold. I recommend it unreservedly.
Veronica Hannon, Theatre Now
Photo Credit: Robert Catto
9 – 18 Jan 2020
Venue: Riveside: Lennox Theatre
Theatre Company: National Theatre of Parramatta
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
(No interval plus post-show Q&A following performance on Saturday 18 January at 2:30pm)
Ticket Prices:
Adults $59
Concession $55
30 & Under $47
Groups 8+ $55
Preview: $44
plus booking fee
Tue – Sat 7:45pm
Matinee Sat 18th Jan 2:30pm
By James Elazzi
Unapologetic, piercing and deliciously funny-until-it’s-not, 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.
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: God forbid this christening comes second to the Boustanis! The family can’t afford to lose face, especially with Danny recently and mysteriously calling off his engagement. But secrets will out, and amidst the sugared almonds and balloon deliveries, Danny discovers the true colours of those to whom he’s closest. Where do you turn when the people you love refuse to accept the truth?
FYI this production contains coarse language and smoke haze
Director: Dino Dimitriadis
Creative Futures (Assistant Director): Bernadette Fam
Production Designer: Jonathan Hindmarsh
Lighting Designer: Benjamin Brockman
Sound Designer: Ben Pierpoint
Dramaturg: Hilary Bell
Stage Manager: Hannah Crane
Performers: Antony Makhlouf, Deborah Galanos, Johnny Nasser, Nisrine Amine
