A journey from Syria to Tyneside: New theatre show begins in Newcastle
Penguin, from Curious Monkey and Hamzeh Al Hussien, begins next month
A new theatre show is set to tour from the North East - telling the story of a young, disabled refugee - and his journey from Syria to Tyneside.
Penguin is the work of creator Hamzeh Al Hussien - in his first professional acting role.
Hamzeh is a disabled artist from Syria who arrived in Gateshead, North East England, five years ago as part of the UK’s Syrian Resettlement Programme.
He was first introduced to performing during his six years in Za'atari refugee camp where he trained with a Spanish NGO in physical theatre.
He performed in various productions, and facilitated drama and theatre projects with disabled children.
He says, “As a disabled man, I want to show the audience what I can do and that I am able to achieve whatever I want despite my disability. I hope people come away thinking ‘don’t give up, just keep trying’. I love music, so there’s lots of dance and movement in the show. This is the story of a journey, my journey, and it’s all true.”
Penguin is directed by Amy Golding. Amy founded Curious Monkey in 2013 to share stories of underrepresented communities, and in 2019 the company became the North East’s first Theatre Company of Sanctuary in recognition of their commitment to being a safe space to those in need of sanctuary in the UK. Her directing credits include Leaving by Paddy Campbell, HERE by Lindsay Rodden, Beats North by Luke Barnes and Ishy Din, and Mamela by Gez Casey and Ziphozahke Hlobo.
Amy says, “Penguin really highlights how one person’s normal can be another person’s extraordinary. It celebrates how you can survive anything with a positive outlook and good humour.
"I’ve felt so privileged to have known Hamzeh for five years and he has shared a lot of his story with me - he’s lived an extraordinary life already and he’s only in his 20s!
"It’s a joy to spend time with him; the show is intimate and personal, as well as funny - the audience will be invited into his world and it will feel really special to get to know him.”