Lady Tabouli

Written by James Elazzi
Directed by Dino Dimitriadis

"Piercing and bittersweet… a powerful reflection on family, truth, and identity."

We all have families. We all have secrets.
Lady Tabouli explores what happens when the pressure to conform clashes with the need to live authentically.

Set on the day of a family baptism, Danny finds himself caught between tradition and truth. Surrounded by sugared almonds, balloon deliveries, and his deeply religious Lebanese mother, he can no longer hide from the decisions that have shaken his world. As tensions rise and expectations close in, Danny is forced to confront the people he loves most—and the cost of their acceptance.

Premiered at the 2020 Sydney Festival in partnership with National Theatre of Parramatta, this moving play is a bold look at identity, culture, and breaking free from what no longer fits.

Original Creative Team:

• Playwright: James Elazzi

• Director: Dino Dimitriadis

• Cast: Antony Makhlouf, Deborah Galanos, Johnny Nasser, Nisrine Amine

• Production Designer: Jonathan Hindmarsh

• Lighting Designer: Benjamin Brockman

• Sound Designer: Ben Pierpoint

• Dramaturg: Hilary Bell

• Stage Manager: Hannah Crane

• Production Photography: Robert Catto

"Lady Tabouli is about standing in the centre of your truth, even when that truth is inconvenient, messy or unwanted by those around you.”
— James Elazzi

"Elazzi’s dialogue is razor-sharp… a bold, intelligent and deeply personal work.”
— Theatre Travels

“Powerful and poignant… Lady Tabouli is a compelling portrait of identity and defiance.”
— Sydney Arts Guide

Production History

• Premiered: Griffin Theatre Company, May 2019 (Batch Festival)

• Co-produced by: Green Door Theatre Company & Apocalypse Theatre

• Later presented by: National Theatre of Parramatta for the 2020 Sydney Festival