Karim and Beth watch the trains roll in and dream of getting out of this small town. Joe searches the streets of Tahmoor for hidden treasures that might help pay the bills. Abdul opens his home and his heart to a young man in need…
Written by the three-time nominated playwright at the NSW Premier’s Literary Award, James Elazzi (Lady Tabouli, Queen Fatima and Son of Byblos) weaves his signature humour and tenderness in this brand-new play. Set on the rural outskirts of New South Wales, Karim tells a complex story of a family ties and generational divides as young Karim’s life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers an oud, a traditional Middle Eastern instrument, and realises that this may be the key to a new destiny.
Join us for this world premiere production that shows love can be found in the most unexpected of places.
★★★★ “Elazzi has a proven eye for blending the tender and humorous” – Artshub
“...Much beauty in its rawness, a must see” – Eastside Radio
“A fine example of collaborative vision and close ensemble work” – Stage Whispers
“For those seeking a theatre experience that combines heartfelt storytelling with exceptional performances, “Karim” is an unmissable production.” – Theatre Travels
PERFORMANCES NEW SHOWS ADDED Friday 9 August 7:45pm BEST AVAILABILITY Saturday 10 August 2:30pm BEST AVAILABILITY
SEASON Thursday 25 July 7:45pm – SOLD OUT Friday 26 July 7:45pm – SOLD OUT Saturday 27 July 7:45pm – SOLD OUT Wednesday 31 July 7:45pm Thursday 1 August 6:30pm – +POST SHOW Q&A with Patrick Abboud and James Elazzi Friday 2 August 7:45pm Saturday 3 August 2:30pm and 7:45pm
AGE RECOMMENDATION: 15 +
Approx. 1 hr 30 mins. Lockout periods for latecomers apply.
CAST AND CREATIVES
Writer James Elazzi Director James Elazzi Director & Dramaturg Shane Anthony Starring Youssef Sabet, Jane Phegan, Andrew Cutcliffe, Alex Malone & George Kanaan
Set and Costume Designer James Browne Lighting Designer Frankie Clarke Sound Designer and Composer Aimée Falzon Intimacy Director Trish Speers Stage Manager Saz Watson Production Manager D. Andrew Potvin
MEET THE PLAYWRIGHT
James Elazzi – Playwright and Co-director James is an award-winning playwright, screenwriter and director. His plays have been nominated in the NSW Premier’s Literary Award three years consecutively, shortlisted twice in the Rodney Seaborne Award, four-time award winner in the Sydney Theatre Awards and is a three time Silver Gull Playwriting Award Nominee. James was Assistant Director on Holding the Man (2024 Belvoir St Theatre) James’ sold out theatre stage plays include Son of Byblos (Belvoir St Theatre 25A), Lady Tabouli (National Theatre of Parramatta), Queen Fatima (National Theatre of Parramatta) and Omar and Dawn (KXT).
In 2023-2024, James wrote, directed and produced his second short film about Lebanese migration, Seeds of Gold. In 2022, James directed and produced his short film Yannis which has officially been selected in more than 17 Film Festivals around the world including Los Angeles, Poland, Lebanon, Greece and Italy. It has since won Best Performances in the 2022 LGBTQI+ Los Angeles Film Festival and nominated 7 times in the Made in The West Film Festival, including best director and screenplay, winning best Lead Actor.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Q&A with PATRICK ABBOUD AND JAMES ELAZZI: THURSDAY 1 AUGUST
Join us on Thursday 1 August for a post-show Q&A with acclaimed presenter Patrick Abboud and Karim playwright James Elazzi. This intimate in conversation event will give audiences the opportunity to hear from the writer behind this extraordinary new work for the stage.
Patrick (Pat) Abboud is a Walkley winning journalist, writer, director, television and radio/podcast host. He was awarded 2023 Freelance Journalist of the Year by the Walkley Foundation. The judges described Pat as: “a rare journalistic package – tenaciously seeking out complex, left-of-field stories that sit outside the daily news cycle, securing the trust of those involved, then telling their stories with rigour, humanity and a dash of good humour”. Pat is a 3-time medallist at the New York Festivals TV & Radio Awards, 4-time winner at the Australian Podcast Awards, a SXSW Innovation Award and Kennedy Award for Best Long Form Television Current Affairs winner, a Webby Award finalist and 2-time LGBTQIA+ Presenter of the Year finalist. Pat’s work has been nominated for the prestigious Rose D’Or in Europe.
His recent feature documentary film streaming now on SBS On Demand, ‘Australia Uncovered: Kids Raising Kids’ was nominated for Best Documentary at AIDC 2023.
In June 2023 Sydney/ USA content studio DreamChaser/ Fifth Season signed a multi-year development and production deal with Pat and his production company, Only Human. Alongside some of Australia’s best TV/Film creatives, the studio will work with Pat developing and funding his new TV/streaming projects for global audiences, including his first foray into drama.
Pat is currently working on his new 3 x 90min international TV doc series, which is also a 6-part podcast, to be announced soon. He also continues to scour the world for untold stories as a correspondent for Spotlight on Network 7, and The Project.
James Elazzi is an award winning playwright, screenwriter and director. His plays have been nominated in the NSW Premier’s Literary Award three years consecutively, shortlisted twice in the Rodney Seaborne Award, four time award winner in the Sydney Theatre Awards and is a three time Silver Gull Playwriting Award Nominee. James was Assistant Director on Holding the Man (2024 Belvoir St Theatre) James’ sold out theatre stage plays include Son of Byblos (Belvoir St Theatre 25A), Lady Tabouli (National Theatre of Parramatta), Queen Fatima (National Theatre of Parramatta) and Omar and Dawn (KXT). In 2023-2024, James wrote, directed and produced his second short film about Lebanese migration, Seeds of Gold.
In 2022, James directed and produced his short film Yannis which has officially been selected in more than 17 Film Festivals around the world including Los Angeles, Poland, Lebanon, Greece and Italy. It has since won Best Performances in the 2022 LGBTQI+ Los Angeles Film Festival and nominated 7 times in the Made in The West Film Festival, including best director and screenplay, winning best Lead Actor.
WELCOME NIGHT: WEDNESDAY 31 JULY – ALLOCATION EXHAUSTED National Theatre of Parramatta welcomes you to immerse yourself in a night at the theatre. Our budget friendly Welcome Night $29* tickets aim to give audiences the freedom to dip their toe in and explore works from western Sydney and around the world. Join us for a Welcome Night for Karim on Wednesday 31 July. Book here for our Karim WELCOME NIGHT.
*plus booking fee. Offer only available on dedicated welcome night and until allocation is exhausted.
CONTENT WARNING
The production makes use of flashing lights, theatrical smoke and haze. The work also contains adult themes, partial nudity, coarse language and references to drug use and is recommended for audiences aged 15+.
If the show raises any concerns for you support is available at Lifeline (Lifeline.org.au or 13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (beyondblue.org.au or 1300 224 636)
