In honour of International Women’s Day, Powerhouse Youth Theatre (PYT) Fairfield presented ‘Khair’, a dazzling show written, choreographed and performed by an all- women ensemble.
Showtimes included Friday 7th March at 8:30pm, and Saturday 8th March at 2:30pm and 8:30pm. A high tea preceded each show, designed to foster a warm atmosphere and sense of community. All high teas and performances were completely sold out with people coming together for International Women’s Day.
High Tea & Introductions
High Chai, Sold Out. Photo by Eleanor Cooper
The pre-show high tea was an hour-long beautifully presented selection of Levantine foods. From fruit platters to manoush, there were allergen-free and vegan options, ensuring there was something for all to enjoy. Tea and coffee were served throughout, both respectively bringing a strong, unique flavour.
Pre-Show High Chai Table. Photo by Eleanor Cooper
The high tea lasted an hour before the crowd filed into the theatre. Creative Producer and mentor Bina Bhattacharya introduced the show and the dream behind it. Her passion for the future of Fairfield youth and the dramatic arts sculpted her every word, and love for her fellow crew shone through in each introduction she gave. After warmly inviting a Welcome to Country the show began.
Bina Bhattacharya’s Introduction. Photo by Eleanor Cooper
Prologue & Premise
The performance kicked off with a haunting prologue that introduced the motif of the number three (3) and its mythological and cultural significance. This opening consisted of a dance to a recorded monologue and set the scene for the rest of the production.
Prologue. Photo by Anna Kucera
A long instrumental segment played as the cast changed costumes and prepared for the rest of the show, but soon they were ready to continue.
From then, the show was set entirely in a hairdressers’ salon where Azita (Yvan Karezi) and Sosan (Neda Taha) fought to keep their business intact while an acai business threatened to overtake them, leading to the main character’s hilarious disdain for acai.
The main premise involved Azita and Sosan’s search for their “third”, to adhere to the lore of the trinity outlined in the prologue. Each new customer and staff member involved in the salon had them questioning who their third might be.
Yvan Karezi: Passionate Performer
Yvan Karezi starred as Azita, masterful tea brewer and sorceress co-owner of the hair salon.
As well as a performer, Karezi also co-created the show and wrote the prologue. After she graduated from high school, she immersed herself in formal theatre training.
Karezi’s performance demonstrated genuine passion for the show. Karezi slid naturally into character, immersing the audience in the culture and lore embedded in the story.
Yvan Karezi as Azita. Photo by Anna Kucera
“As a Kurdish woman in the diaspora, I feel incredibly fortunate and want to acknowledge the privilege I have in being able to pursue this work as my career,” said Karezi.
“I often think of my ancestors, of how unimaginable it would have been for them to see a descendant of their bloodline living a life of safety, freedom, and opportunity.”
For Karezi, her role in this production was deeply meaningful on a far greater level than the audience may have realised.
“Everything I do is in honour of the women who came before me, the ones who were persecuted, silenced, or even killed for defying the status quo. Their resilience fuels my passion, and I carry their legacy with me in everything I create.”
Liliana Occhiuto: Musical Multi-tasker
Liliana Occhiuto managed sound design, providing a thoroughly one-of-a-kind soundtrack. Throughout the show, she was entirely attentive to the scene playing out before her whilst simultaneously ensuring some captivating atmospheric sound effects.
As well as ordinary theatre sound equipment, she had a steel tongue drum, a tambourine, and other small instruments that allowed her to add her own creative flair to the tracks.
Liliana Occhiuto. Photo by Eleanor Cooper
Occhiuto is a Western Sydney University alum, graduating with a Master of Art Therapy. She is a talented artist and added significant value to the show.
Accessibility & Awareness
PYT showed a keen awareness of cultural and religious events, as there were reminders on the website and socials about the timing of the show. Due to it coinciding with Ramadan, they suggested certain showtimes to those observing so they could still enjoy the pre-show high tea.
Furthermore, they offered special arrangements to people with wheelchairs for both the high tea and the show.
Besides reasonable ticket prices, there were a select number of complimentary tickets. These were available for members of the community that wanted to see the production but could not afford to do so.
PYT displayed phenomenal consideration to Fairfield’s community and its diverse cultures.
International Women’s Day
“Like in any industry, being a woman in theatre comes with its challenges,” Karezi admitted. “However, the beauty of the stage is that once you step into it, the barriers and constraints of gender roles fade away, allowing the story to take centre stage. It’s a space where artistry transcends limitations, and the focus is purely on the narrative being brought to life.”
The production’s truly unique approach to celebrating women is one for the history books.
To put on a production completely designed and acted out by women is a testament to the talents that have been historically overlooked.
Karezi said, “The synergy of an all-women team adds a unique depth and authenticity to the storytelling, making this production unlike any I’ve been part of before.”
Every member of the cast and crew was enthusiastic about the show and its importance. Their passion ignited their performances, beautifully honouring all the women in theatre who came before them.
“It’s an incredible privilege to celebrate International Women’s Day by fully immersing myself in my artistic practice, creating alongside women who have become like sisters through this journey,” Karezi added.
“Honouring this day through theatre and storytelling allows us to connect, collaborate, and uplift one another in a deeply meaningful way.”
The Audience
The Audience. Photo by Eleanor Cooper
All who attended the show were smiling and laughing, enjoying the comedic and culturally relevant elements woven through the production.
The hair salon in which the show takes place is set in Fairfield, allowing the characters to comment on the world around them in both a current and funny way.
When the show rounded to a timely close, much of the crowd remained in the foyer, with a sense of community building between them.
It was clear the show hit its mark, and that the cast and crew were proud of the successful production.
Audience member Kaitlyn Markwell said, “This show belongs in a bigger theatre, where so many more people can enjoy it.”
‘Khair’
This show demonstrated the strength and talent of women from a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds. It brought the Fairfield community together in celebration of International Women’s Day and commemoration of the history of women in theatre.
The story and performance were woven together by culture, passion, talent and unity amongst all involved, with current and comedic value inherent within.
‘Khair’ lived up to the meaning of its name, ‘goodness’. This was a sensational way of honouring International Women’s Day.
