Qtopia Sydney, the home of diverse and intersectional storytelling, is proud to co-produce Saints of Damour, a deeply personal and moving new work by celebrated Lebanese-Australian playwright James Elazzi. Following his acclaimed plays Lady Tabouli and Son of Byblos, Elazzi continues to explore the rich complexities of family, identity and belonging in this powerful story that resonates across generations of Lebanese and migrant communities in Australia.
Spanning from war-torn Lebanon to rural and urban Australia, Saints of Damour follows Pierre, a young farmer whose love for Samir is shattered by the brutal realities of civil war. Forced to leave his homeland, Pierre builds a life in Australia, navigating the pressures of tradition, the struggles of migration and the lifelong impact of love lost. The play offers an unflinching yet deeply heartfelt exploration of the sacrifices made in pursuit of family, survival and self-acceptance.
“Elazzi is one of the country’s most talented playwrights, and Saints of Damour is a landmark work that amplifies Queer voices while exploring the broader struggles of migration and cultural identity,” said Carly Fisher, Artistic Director of Qtopia Sydney. “This is exactly the kind of work Qtopia Sydney is proud to support – stories that speak to underrepresented experiences and ignite necessary conversations.”
Through its richly woven narrative, Saints of Damour authentically reflects the experience of the Lebanese diaspora; the longing for home, the weight of expectations and the resilience of those who leave everything behind in search for a better future. It delves into the importance of family, honour and the unspoken struggles of cultural identity, shedding light on the personal sacrifices often made for the sake of tradition.
The production features a stellar cast, including multi Sydney Theatre Award nominee Deborah Galanos and rising star Anthony Makhlouf, both of whom bring a deep personal connection to the material. Their performances capture the heart of the Lebanese-Australian experience, reflecting the richness and emotional depth of a story that is as universal as it is intimate.
Elazzi’s writing deeply resonates with those who have lived between cultures, carrying the weight of family expectations, the sacrifices of past generations and the complexity of honouring tradition while forging one’s own path. Saints of Damour speaks to the shared experiences of the Lebanese diaspora, where identity is shaped by both heritage and the search for belonging in a new homeland.
In bringing Saints of Damour to the stage, Qtopia Sydney hopes to foster conversation within the Lebanese-Australian community and beyond, honouring the past while embracing the changing landscape of identity and tradition.
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.
