James Elazzi
Eschol Park, New South Wales
Playwright, teacher
As a second-generation Lebanese-Australian, James never saw his own experiences reflected on stage, film or TV. This lack of connection drove him to start writing plays about minority communities. James is particularly proud that productions of his plays – including Lady Tabouli and Omar and Dawn – have not only employed creative people who share his heritage, but also introduced many Lebanese-Australians to the theatre. He is now working on a play about his relationship with his father, which focuses on their daily walks around Western Sydney collecting discarded goods to sell. James aims to see the play performed at the National Theatre of Parramatta in 2021.
