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In Our Name single work   drama  
Issue Details: First known date: 2004... 2004 In Our Name
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AbstractHistoryArchive Description

In Our Name tells the true story of the Al Abaddi family: their escape from violent persecution in Iraq, their continuous displacement, their attempts to find a secure and peaceful home in Australia, and the three and a half years spent behind razor wire in Curtin, Port Hedland and Villawood. It gives a voice to five year old Afnan, to fifteen year old Humam, their mother and father; it reveals the courage, love and dignity with which these remarkable people have fought to remain a family.(Belvoir Street Theatre website, http://www.belvoir.com.au/310_whatson_upstairs.php)

Notes

  • In Our Name is 'verbatim theatre', a form of political docu-theatre. Jamieson visited the Al Abaddis in 2003 in New Zealand where they were seeking refugee status. They had previously been denied this status in Australia and were subsequently deported to Syria. Jamieson visited the family in Wellington and recorded their story.
  • Educational notes about this play can be found at http://www.belvoir.com.au/uploads/ION_teachnotes2.pdf (Sighted: 30/06/2010). These notes include the poem 'Return' by Tony Zandavar.

Production Details

  • First produced by Company B at Belvoir Street Theatre, Sydney from 22 April-30 May 2004. Season directed by Nigel Jamieson.

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

Works about this Work

The Life In Them Words Ben Brooker , 2016 single work essay
— Appears in: Sydney Review of Books , November 2016;
On Issues Real Enough to Feel for in the First Place Pip Smith , 2012 single work review
— Appears in: The Lifted Brow , no. 14 2012; (p. 34-35)

— Review of As The World Tipped Nigel Jamieson , 2012 single work drama ; In Our Name Nigel Jamieson , 2004 single work drama
Theatre of the Displaced Linda Jaivin , 2004 single work criticism
— Appears in: The Bulletin , 20 April vol. 122 no. 6417 2004; (p. 60-62)
Jaivin considers the creation of the plays In Our Name and CMI and examines these and other Australian 'docu-theatre' pieces that have reflected the experience of asylum seekers.
On Issues Real Enough to Feel for in the First Place Pip Smith , 2012 single work review
— Appears in: The Lifted Brow , no. 14 2012; (p. 34-35)

— Review of As The World Tipped Nigel Jamieson , 2012 single work drama ; In Our Name Nigel Jamieson , 2004 single work drama
Theatre of the Displaced Linda Jaivin , 2004 single work criticism
— Appears in: The Bulletin , 20 April vol. 122 no. 6417 2004; (p. 60-62)
Jaivin considers the creation of the plays In Our Name and CMI and examines these and other Australian 'docu-theatre' pieces that have reflected the experience of asylum seekers.
The Life In Them Words Ben Brooker , 2016 single work essay
— Appears in: Sydney Review of Books , November 2016;
Last amended 30 Jun 2010 16:28:53
Settings:
  • c
    Iraq,
    c
    Middle East, Asia,
  • c
    Australia,
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