The Tribe

Author and playwright Michael Mohammed Ahmad has adapted his novel The Tribe, with director Janice Muller, into a play now staged by Belvoir Theatre and Urban Theatre Projects. The story features a child’s view of the Muslim-Australian experience, growing up in Sydney’s west, and immersed in the world of immigrants who don’t care about lurid tales of terrorists or stereotypes.

“It’s political by rejecting politics,” explained Ahmad, who, like the narrator, grew up the western suburbs and is now a doctoral candidate at the University of Western Sydney, where he also teaches creative writing. “People are not plotting, they really don’t care. Their concern is about homework, what to have for dinner, [and] their grandmother’s health.”

The show is staged in a Surry Hills backyard, with the narrator (Hazem Shammas) and cellist (Oonagh Sherrard) summoning Bedouin storytelling traditions.

“It’s a collaboration of the Arab world mixed with Australian theatre,” explained Ahmad, who likens the Bedouin tales told around a campfire in a desert, to the long tradition of Aboriginals telling ancient stories.

Ahmad explained the atmosphere created in the urban backyard setting: “a breeze hits and ruffles the trees, birds are chirping, the sounds of cars, all add to the spontaneity of the outdoors experience associated with the traditions of the storyteller… It’s about those wonderful moments.” (OA)

Until Feb 7. Belvoir Theatre, 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills (meet at the theatre to be guided to the backyard venue). $25–$48 (subject to change). Tickets & info: belvoir.com or 9699 3444