Artistic Director, Adam Hemming, chats to theatre translator, Maya Goldstein, writer and performer of Za'atar Rain. We discuss the real-life inspiration for the show and theatre-making at Goldsmiths, in advance of the run of Za'atar Rain at the Space (24th - 27th May, livestreams on 26th and 27th of May and on demand access for two weeks after that).
It all started with a pizza delivery.
A Pitta delivery, to be more exact.
Then there were the anonymous calls.
And then there was her.
Oh, and the border.
But I had to meet her.
Now how do I get there?
Maya is haunted by telephone calls and weird visions, only to discover that behind them stands a Lebanese girl called Luna, who implores her to come to Beirut. As Maya lives in Israel, Luna’s request should be impossible to turn into reality, but she is compelled to embark on this journey.
The encounters she has along the way, with Elon Musk, a sarcastic pigeon with a penchant for ABBA, a no-nonsense Jordanian Border guard and a sheep with a Scottish accent, punctuate and propel this journey into forbidden territory.
Through this semi-fictional quest, Maya realises that some connections are stronger than, and not susceptible to, the existence of borders.
“There’s a small city in the Middle East called Beirut. I have a friend there. A friend I will never be able to visit. I also can’t show you her face, or tell you her name. But let’s just say— she knows me for who I am.”
You can find out more about the Space, connect with us on the socials and see what's coming up at www.space.org.uk
Find out more about Za'atar Rain by following them on twitter: @Maya_Gold_M
Theme Music: Monsieur Miaow by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Edit credit: Adam Hemming
