James Elazzi's 'Queen Fatima' opens as part of the 2021 Sydney Festival

James Elazzi’s Queen Fatima debuted last week as part of the 2021 Sydney Festival, produced by the National Theatre of Parramatta .

While the season was unfortunately shortened due to cast injury, critics praised the show and it was a sold out season.

What’s it about:

Fast approaching 31, Fatima is feeling the pressure from her bakery owning family to get married and have children. Her boyfriend, Karim, wants their relationship to remain secret. His high-flying, lawyer parents definitely wouldn’t approve of the match. In an effort to prove to Karim and his family she is worthy of his love, Fatima comes up with a plan to win Queen Lebanon Australia. Moonia, the pageant organiser, accepts Fatima because this year she wants a ‘diverse group of girls’ and Fatima is unlike anything the competition has seen before. With the help of her 74 year-old best friend Gada and her coffee cup readings, Fatima goes through a transformation that not even she expected.

What the critics said:

‘Allowing social groups to see their own stories reflected on stage is important and this work achieves this while also proving to those outside of the subject community that regardless of the color of our skin, places where our ancestors came from and language we speak, there is a relatability in the stories and beneath it all, we are all part of the same broader community.’ - Broadway World

‘This is an outstanding show and the perfect night out for anybody who feels like they need to get out and have a good long laugh!’ - City Hub

‘Elazzi can certainly write funny lines’ , ‘the plotting is clever’ - Sydney Morning Herald

The Sydney Festival season has concluded but we’ll keep you updated on future opportunities to see this play.