Western Terrace: Animating the Arab Archive in Burramatta

Join us for a night of stories through time as Alissar Chidiac brings together people and material from two creative productions made in Burramatta on Dharug Land at the turn of this century.

1999: Gibran Khalil Gibran, Taqa Theatre’s last performance of their decade’s work, within the burned ruins of St Patrick's Cathedral.

2001-2002: Jirrin Journey, community collaborations, storytelling and art making from tangible objects through to aural memory.

How do we bring ‘the archive’ to life? Nadyat El Gawley and Nikolai Haddad, Alissar Gazal and Paula Abood, revisit past productions, sharing reimagined fragments of live performance and critically reflecting on what the work means now in another moment of Catastrophe.

This is an opportunity to learn of local Arab cultural production that came before now - with rare documentation and conversation, sharing reliable and unreliable collective memories.

Afterwards, gather with us on the terrace for light refreshments as the sun sets.

Curated by Alissar Chidiac

When: Wednesday 3 December, 6:00pm - 8:00pm 

Where: Level 3, Western Terrace

Registration: Spaces are limited with some seats and standing room. Registration is essential. As this is an outdoor venue, please dress accordingly. For access requirements please contact PHIVEtickets@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au  

The Western Terrace is a series of creative gatherings, performances and workshops taking place underneath the golden hour, as the sun sets, facing West, thinking West. Imagining the Western Terrace as an extension of their own homes, gardens and balconies, the series features artists, authors, filmmakers, musicians and community sharing domestic ritual collectively. 

Photos by Alissar Chidiac from the Gibran Khalil Gibran production 1999

Credit: Courtesy of Alissar Chidiac Archive 2025

Images of Alissar Chidiac, Alissar Gazal and Paula Abood: from Taqa Theatre's 'Gibran Khalil Gibran' program 1999
Images of Nadyat El Gawley and Nikolai Haddad: by Marian Abboud, from Information and Cultural Exchange (now ACE) 'Jirrin Journey' photos 2001-2002