_edited.png)
Synopsis
Saria Callas is a new multimedia play about aspiring to be a singer while growing up in a place where it is forbidden for women to sing.
Saria’s already a bottle of red in, reminiscing about her experiences of childhood to
womanhood. We revisit Tehran, the school bus parties, the wannabe prayer-caller and the secret w**ks at the all-girls’ school.
​
Now Saria stands at a crossroads with her child. How does a woman who has experienced firsthand repression of her body and voice react as her child struggles with their own gender identity? This sexy, camp, pop-filled semi-autobiographical play highlights an often unheard perspective of the supportive parent, unpacking the intersectional grey area of what life is like for women.
Photos of scratch performance at CPT, March 2024. Photos courtesy of Harry Elletson.
Photos from 'An Evening With Seemia', November 2024. Photos Courtesy of Héctor Manchego. Featuring set designed by Tomás Palmer for 'Wish You Were Here'.
Did I get used to oppression or is music my way of fighting?
"
"
Sara is excited to be working with fellow Seemia artists Manuel Lavandera as Co-Director and Associate Direction from Robin Paley Yorke (Billy Elliot at CURVE, Painting The Town at New Wimbledon Theatre). We are also excited to be working with acclaimed Video Director Elahe Esmaili (International Documentary Association Award)
Saria Callas was commissioned by Camden People's Theatre's Starting Blocks and was originally co-presented with A Play, A Pie and A Pint. Devised with support from Oxford Playhouse as part of EVOLVE and public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England. Presented in Edinburgh Fringe with Keep It Fringe Funding.





Creative Team
Sara Amini
Manuel Lavandera
Charlie Cowgill & Laurie Ward
Elahe Esmaili
Mana Sadri Irani
Parham Bahadoran & Babak Rezvani
Ali Hunter
Anna Kitson
Maral Mamaghani & Stephen Collins
Bryony Byrne
Alex Woods
Robin Paley Yorke
Hamid Beiki
Writer, Performer & Co-Director
Co-Director
Dramaturgy
Video Director
Set & Costume Designer
Sound Designers
Lighting Designer
BSL Interpreter
BSL Consultants
London Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager
Producer
Poster Image Design