Presented by the 2021 Sydney Festival and the National Theatre of Parramatta.

Production Photography by Noni Carrol

Written and Created by James Elazzi
Directed by Paige Rattray

Original cast -

Fayssal Bazzi
Neveen Hanna
Sheridan Harbridge
Johnny Nasser
Rahel Romahn
Kristelle Zibara

Creatives -

Set and Costume Renée Mulder
Lighting Designer Kelsey Lee
Sound Designer David Muratore
Production Manager Cara Woods
Assistant to the Director Priscilla Doueihy (Creative Futures)
Stage Manager Lauren Tulloh

Queen Fatima

Written by James Elazzi

“One of Sydney's most exciting young writers.”
— Time Out on James Elazzi

Synopsis

Fatima is 30, unmarried, and feeling the pressure from her bakery-owning Lebanese-Australian family to settle down. Her boyfriend Karim wants to keep their relationship a secret — after all, his high-powered, conservative parents would never approve of a girl like her.

Determined to prove her worth and win their respect, Fatima enters the Queen Lebanon Australia beauty pageant. Her goal? To break the mould and challenge outdated ideas of who belongs in the spotlight. With the support of her irrepressible 74-year-old best friend Gada and a whole lot of determination, Fatima takes the stage not just to compete — but to transform.

Queen Fatima is a bold, laugh-out-loud comedy that takes a sledgehammer to stereotypes. It’s a story of self-love, identity, and fighting for a seat at the table — all told with James Elazzi’s trademark warmth, wit, and cultural authenticity.

“Elazzi creates real, flawed, loveable characters who are both deeply personal and instantly recognisable... you’ll laugh, cheer, and maybe even shed a tear.”
— Theatre Travels

"A feel-good crowd-pleaser that blends heart, humour and a powerful message about breaking boundaries."
— Sydney Arts Guide

James Elazzi on Queen Fatima:

“I wanted to write a story that celebrates the underdog — someone who isn’t ashamed of who they are, but is tired of being told they’re not enough. Fatima is the hero I needed growing up.”
— James Elazzi

Production & Development

• Premiered: National Theatre of Parramatta & Sydney Festival, Riverside Theatres (January 2021)

• Director: Paige Rattray

• Developed with: Sydney Theatre Company’s Rough Draft program

• Presented as part of: True West, National Theatre of Parramatta’s celebration of contemporary voices from Western Sydney

Themes:

• Cultural identity & self-worth

• The pressure of tradition and family

• Feminism, beauty standards & community

• Comedy with heart and purpose

Queen Fatima is a warm, empowering celebration of those who don’t fit the mould — and choose to shine anyway.