Zaffé

The tag line “You’re invited to a Middle Eastern wedding party like no other” captures this event in a very precise manner. Attending this performance is much more like attending a celebration and blends immersive and participatory theatre in a vibrant and extremely entertaining manner. Zaffé is a traditional ceremony that is hosted by Ghajar and her collaborators. This production is created by a group of young artists from the Middle Eastern diaspora aiming to celebrate and reflect on both the joyful and tragic elements of their culture. 

The entrance into the space is truly awe-inspiring. The set involves the entire theatre space, and the audience are seated as though they are guests at the wedding. The long tables are laid out beautifully with rose petals scattered throughout the set. An abundance of flowers and candles also adorn the tables. The bridal table is elaborately decorated with roses and sits almost as a monument at the centre of the space. The attention to detail in the show is astonishing. Place cards have questions that guests put to each other, refreshments are served, messages are passed around about imminent arrivals, Skype calls and QR codes to short videos are passed around and video links to long distance entertainers are also included. 

The atmosphere is quite electric, and the numerous cables tenuously tied together suggest that this is an event that has been produced with such beauty and precision out of sheer enthusiasm and resourcefulness. The performance has the audience dancing, singing, and there is also very festive ululation. The party atmosphere is ramped up with the aid of a belly dancing instructor and Arabic-language covers of pop songs. It becomes very easy to forget it is a theatre performance. The mood suddenly turns sombre, and this is an opportunity to hear some reflections on the emotional hardships of the migration experience and the tragic news of the Beirut explosion which devasted the city in 2020. The fact that the bridal party never make an appearance also adds to the spectral quality of this change in tone.

This is a culture that is managing a variety of levels of trauma but the desire to be jubilant and show resilience is much more powerful and this is made abundantly clear. This is a unique theatrical event which borrows from a variety of traditions and creates a truly authentic and enriching experience. It might be best described as a happening which is lively, enjoyable, welcoming and, in many instances, absolutely hilarious as well as deeply touching.

Patricia Di Risio 

Photographer: Ayman Kaake