Qtopia Sydney, the home of Queer storytelling, is proud to co-produce Saints of Damour, a powerful new work by acclaimed Lebanese-Australian playwright James Elazzi. Elazzi’s previous works, including Lady Tabouli and Son of Byblos, have been praised for their unflinching exploration of masculinity, culture and Queer identity. With Saints of Damour, he delivers his most ambitious and personal work yet, confronting love and loss across generations.
Spanning three decades from 1970s Lebanon to modern-day Australia, Saints of Damour follows Pierre, a young farmer whose love for Samir is torn apart by war, migration and family expectations. Forced to flee his homeland, Pierre builds a new life in Australia, but the weight of unresolved love and identity continues to shape his journey. Against the backdrop of displacement and cultural change, Saints of Damour is a tender yet devastating portrayal of love’s endurance and the cost of silence.
“At its core, this play is about love – how it can be tested, taken from us and yet remain unwavering,” said Elazzi. “I wanted to explore how love endures through war, migration and time and the way identity is shaped by culture, family and history.”
Qtopia Sydney Artistic Director Carly Fisher sees Saints of Damour as a defining moment for Qtopia Sydney and an important contribution to Australian theatre.
“Saints of Damour is a milestone for Qtopia Sydney. Not only as our first co-production, but as a reflection of our vision for bold, innovative arts programming. James Elazzi’s work embodies the intersection of Queer identity, migration and culture in a way that is both urgent and timeless. We are proud to champion artists who challenge and expand the narratives seen on Australian stages,” said Ms Fisher.
The production features a stellar cast led by rising star Anthony Makhlouf and multi Sydney Theatre Award nominee Deborah Galanos. On Thursday 27 March, audiences will have the chance to engage with the creative team in a special post-show Q&A, offering deeper insights into the play’s themes, creative process and the importance of Queer storytelling in Australian theatre.
Qtopia Sydney has become a leading force in championing diverse narratives, curating a space where Queer history, culture and performance intersect. With Saints of Damour, the organisation continues its commitment to fostering powerful, thought-provoking works that challenge and celebrate the ways we define love, identity and home.
Saints of Damour opens 19 March at Qtopia Sydney’s Loading Dock Theatre. Tickets available at https://events.humanitix.com/saints-of-damour-live-at-the-loading-dock.
