Penguin
Be proud.
Be who you are.
Be more Penguin.
A Curious Monkey production by Hamzeh Al Hussien
Supported by D6: CULTURE IN TRANSIT
Developed by Hamzeh Al Hussien and Amy Golding | Directed by Amy Golding
Here's what you need to know...
I am Hamzeh. My favourite shisha flavour is double apple. I love dancing.
Here's what's going to happen...
There will be loud music. A wedding. My first time on a plane. A lot of moonlight.
This is the story of my life (so far). People have a lot of questions. The answer is,
"Yes.
I can do anything."
Full of humour and beauty, Hamzeh Al-Hussien’s extraordinary story takes you on a personal tour of the places he knows best: his village in the Syrian mountains, the Za’atari camp in Jordan, Gateshead and inside his mind, a place full of music, dancing, fantasies and marbles. Hamzeh invites the audience to be his childhood friends, to hold up the moon to light his way into his dreams, brushing the dust from his clothes...and taking the stage.
Check out the trailer for Penguin below.
Access: The show will be captioned in both English and Arabic.
The set has 2 screens on stage - the English subtitles are on the left (as you look at the stage) the Arabic on the right.
Winner - Hamzeh Al Hussien - North East Culture Awards 2023 , Best Newcomer for PENGUIN
Penguin Reviews
The Stage **** "Uplifting tale of finding self-acceptance and joy" "Golding directs with a lightness of touch that never allows the piece to feel voyeuristic"
FULL REVIEW here
I Love Manchester **** "It is truly charming and an extremely wonderful reflection of a life touched and changed but not entirely uprooted by war.”
FULL REVIEW here
West End Best Friend **** "A joyous and uplifting story of hope in the face of adversity, and of celebrating the individual".
FULL REVIEW here
The Reviews Hub **** "A born storyteller, Hamzeh effortlessly performs..the show brilliantly directed by Amy Golding combines moments of delightful comedy.. alongside chilling and harrowing moments".
FULL REVIEW here
Theatre and Tonic **** "Hamzeh is a charismatic and engaging performer...The piece moved with pure ease on stage due to the capable direction of Amy Golding."
FULL REVIEW here
Disability Arts Online "an extraordinary tale, told with beautiful simplicity"
FULL REVIEW here
North East Theatre Guide "A wonderful piece of storytelling".
FULL REVIEW here
North East Bylines "Hamzeh in Arabic means lion, steadfast, strong – and so he is."
FULL REVIEW here
NARC Magazine "Hamzeh is charismatic and compelling, and his enduring sense of optimism is so present in the writing and in his performance"
FULL REVIEW here
Live Theatre Young Reviewer "a triumph for modern theatre... This show leaves you feeling immensely privileged for having seen it. It’s radical, it’s heart breaking, it’s Penguin."
FULL REVIEW here
2023 Tour Dates
Live Theatre, Newcastle, 20th - 23rd September 2023.
Omnibus Theatre, Clapham 30 September - 1 October
HOME, Manchester, 10-12 October
Leeds Playhouse, 20-21 October
The Playhouse, Crucible Theatre, Sheffield 9-10 November
Arts Centre, Washington 30 November
Credits
Performed and co-created by HAMZEH AL HUSSIEN
Directed and co-created by AMY GOLDING
Assistant Director OLIVIA FURBER
Movement Director NADIA IFTKHAR
Dramaturg LINDSAY RODDEN
Set and costume design JIDA AKIL
Costume Supervisor LOU DUFFY
Sound design HAMZA ARNAOUT
Lighting and AV design SIMON COLE
