Saints of Damour

By James Elazzi

Saints of Damour is a sweeping, intergenerational love story that spans continents and decades, exploring themes of identity, migration, and the enduring power of love.

Set against the backdrop of 1970s Lebanon, the play follows Pierre, a humble tomato farmer from the coastal village of Damour, whose life is forever changed when the civil war forces him to flee with his mother, Zienab, to Australia. As he builds a new life in rural Queensland and later in Sydney, Pierre is haunted by the memories of his past and the life he left behind, while navigating the challenges of starting anew.

James Elazzi masterfully intertwines personal and political narratives, shedding light on the complexities of Lebanese-Australian identity. As Pierre confronts his past and present, the play delves into the sacrifices made for acceptance, the resilience needed to live authentically, and the power of love across borders and generations.

“At its core, this play is about love – how it can be tested, taken from us, and yet remain unwavering,” says Elazzi. “I wanted to explore how love endures through war, migration, and time, and the way identity is shaped by culture, family, and history.” (artsreview.com.au)

Critical Acclaim:

• “A tender tale of forbidden romance... built on an irrefutable authenticity.”
  — Suzy Goes See (suzygoessee.com)

• “An utterly essential play... provokes both tears of joy and misery.”
  — City Hub (cityhub.com.au)

• “Elazzi’s ability to mine the emotional depths and drama from every situation with such clarity and coherence... always leaves an audience emotionally drained and artistically satisfied.”
  — Eastside Radio 89.7FM (eastsidefm.org)

• “A profound reminder that migration stories are not only about movement—they are about what is left behind, what is hidden, and what must be reinvented.”
  — Theatre Travels (theatretravels.org)

Production Details:

• Premiere: March 19 – April 5, 2025, at The Loading Dock, Qtopia Sydney

• Director: Anthony Skuse

• Cast: Antony Makhlouf (Pierre), Saro Lepejian (Samir), Deborah Galanos (Zienab), Nicole Chamoun (Layla), Max Cattana

Saints of Damour is a poignant exploration of love's endurance amidst the trials of war, migration, and societal expectations. It’s a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and the enduring quest for identity and belonging.