b'FRESH VOICESAN INTERVIEW WITHPLAYWRIGHT JAMES ELAZZI Words by Elissa Blake from Audrey JournalIs it specifically a Lebanese family story?Western Sydney writer James Elazzis unflinching comedy Lady TabouliElements of it are personal and family because thats my heritage, but has its World Premiere in the Sydney Festival. For any playwright, thats athe core of the story is universal. I write from a personal perspective but big deal. For Elazzi, its also an opportunity to showcase Australian storiesIm sure everyone who sees the play will relate to it in some way.of a kind that dont often get the recognition and space they deserve. What is meaningful for you personally in the story?James, you proudly identify as a Western Sydney writer. What doesI wrote the play with three objectives in mind: firstly, to get to the core that background add to your toolkit? of why we react and say the things we say under pressure; secondly, to James Elazzi: Western Sydney is a melting pot of different cultures,explore themes that have been traditionally taboo or unspoken, and lastly, heroic stories of survival in all facets of human resilience. Being a writerI wanted to write a comedy, to make people laugh while maintaining the in Western Sydney allows me to understand that beneath the surface,integrity of the story. everyone has a compelling story. I love to write true, raw and braveWhat kind of comedy is it?stories, deriving from family, to what my views of the community are. What part does your heritage play in the kinds of subjects you likeI see it as a marriage of comedy and seriousness. Its filled with love over to tackle?expectations. My first trip to Lebanon was only a few years ago. It really cementedWhy is it important that stories like Lady Tabouli are told? And what the idea of being stuck between two cultures and not really belongingkind of stories would you like to see more of?to either. I am seen as a Lebanese man here in Australiawhere I wasIts essential to see stories like this represented on stage. Ive often felt bornand Im seen as a foreigner in Lebanon, where my family that my community and my perspective have been alienated from the come from. main stages and screens. I write to open up a canister of tradition and I needed to adapt and find a balance, essentially coming to understandheritage and then tip it over and start again. that the only thing that I really find important in all this is family. I amAustralia is a large melting pot of cultures, yet they arent represented compelled to write plays about hardship and triumph, about hope and(but), I dont just want to see any diverse stories on stage, I want to see survival and about being Lebanese and Australian.well written, clever, witty writing.I want to give these personal stories a voice. If they arent told by us, theyWhat are you hoping the audience will gain from it? A great night are essentially forgotten. out? Something to think about? A laugh?So tell us a little about Lady Tabouli. Its a comedy, right? All three are absolutely ideal. I cant imagine seeing Lady Tabouli and not Lady Tabouli centres on two major plots: the break down of familyfeeling a slap on the face or a punch in the gut.relationships, and getting to the church on time for a Christening. DanaLady Tabouli plays the Riverside Theatres, January 918, part of the and her daughter are in a swirl of frustration over the lack of time,True West season of Sydney Festival 2020.Dannys uncle Mark tries to calm the situation and Danny is just about to drop a massive bombshell. And we cant forget about Aunty Fatimain Lebanon!38'