"A play with heart that compels us to sit up and listen, suspend prejudices and feel the anguish of these characters fighting to
survive in a city shattered by senseless war.” – Herald Sun

Photography by Justyn Koh

From multiple-award winning playwright Samah Sabawi comes THEM — a compelling tale of survival, friendship, and the things we are willing to do to protect the ones we love.

THEM tells the story of one young family as they face the decision whether to flee their war-torn city. Omar, Leila and their young child are counting down the days. Their friends enjoy fantasies of escape and the arrival of Omar’s sister brings a real chance to get out – but at what cost?

Developed in consultation with people living in conflict zones and displaced by war, the play was first supported by Melbourne Theatre Company’s Cybec Electric program before enjoying a sell-out extended season at the famed La Mama Theatre.

With unexpected tenderness, laughter, and song, THEM takes audiences into extraordinary circumstances to reveal our shared humanity in the ordinary moments that shape our lives.

WRITTEN BY SAMAH SABAWI * DIRECTED BY BAGRYANA POPOV * SET AND COSTUME DESIGN LARA WEEK
LIGHTING DESIGN SHANE GRANT * SOUND DESIGN ELISSA GOODRICH * PROP MAKER LARA CHAMAS
STAGE MANAGER HAYLEY FOX * ORIGINAL PERFORMERS PRISCILLA DOUEIHY, NAHED ELRAYES,
ABDULRAHMAN HAMMOUD, CLAUDIA GREENSTONE, KHISRAW JONES-SHUKOOR, REECE VELLA

Originally produced by Lara Week and Samah Sabawi, in collaboration with La Mama Theatre.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
THEM is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.