“This ambitious work that stands out for its honesty … it has had a lasting impact.”
Veronica Hannon
4 Stars
Venue : The Roslyn Packer Theatre
Until January 17, 2026
(FUEL UK and Sydney Festival)
Khalid Abdalla played Dodi Fayed in The Crown. I know this because the couple behind me were arguing about it before curtain up. I may not have watched the series, but I am now a fan.
In the opening moments of this debut solo work for the stage the couple’s chat gave off stage context to the tall dark-haired man making his way along the edge of the auditorium with a quiet intensity before inviting the audience to recall where they were on October 6, 2023.
Abdalla then travels further back in time, referencing dates before significant global crises such as 10 September 2001. Through this, he highlights how certain dates can carry vastly different meanings—or none at all—depending on individual perspectives. Viewing these events through the lens of his Arab heritage—he is Egyptian/British—Abdalla explores what it means to be an Arab in today’s world while also finding comfort in the shared connections among people. His intent seems to be that the empathy and understanding fostered within the theatre are taken out into the world by the audience.
A particularly poignant phrase from the performance, “the darkness of the world creates a frame for joy,” encapsulates the spirit of the 90-minute show. The production blends elements of cabaret, including sound, dance, song, projections, physical theatre, and gentle audience participation, all in celebration of joy amidst hardship.
The set design is both simple and visually engaging. A gauze, mounted on an elliptical track overhead and manipulated by Abdalla, becomes a dynamic element—sometimes enclosing him in a spotlight, at other times serving as a canvas for projected images. This innovative use of set adds a unique layer of movement and depth to the production.
This ambitious work that stands out for its honesty and, while it may be slightly too long, it has had a lasting impact. Well worth experiencing.
photo by Neil Bennett
Veronica Hannon, Theatre Now
