Tales of a City by the Sea is a story we all know of love and longing – set against the backdrop of Gaza in 2008.
A Palestinian journalist writes poetry on the beach.
A diaspora doctor must decide to stay or leave.
Then come the missiles and the phosphorus showers.
This is a furious and tender exploration of the fragility of freedom. The national collides with the personal as activism and reporting take to the stage. Tales of a City by the Sea uses poetry, tenderness and humour to explore the love between those who have choices, and those who do not. Language fails us when it comes to displacement and grief; yet Samah Sabawi’s language cracks grief open and remains present, like the sea.
With a creative crew lead by Tāmaki Makaurau’s Palestinian community, supported by people from all over the world and housed by Māori, this play is all about connection.
Writer
Co-Director, Producer & Cast - Lama
Movement Director & Dabke Teacher
Cast - Jomana
Cast - Ali
Cast - Abu Ahmed &Musician
Jomana Understudy
Stage Manager
Acting Coach
Production Support
Co-Director & Cultural Advisor
Producer & Designer
Musical Director & Singer
Cast - Rami
Cast - Samira
Assistant Director & Lama Understudy
Costume Design
Art Support
Director Mentorship
All tickets to this event are General Admission and are currently available online.
Please note: seating is a mixture of cabaret tables and row seats. This is on a first in first served basis.
$35 Pakeke (Adult)
$28 Kaumatua & Hapori
$25 Tauira (Student ticket)
$25 Rangatahi
$45 Tīkiti Tautoko (Support goes towards Te Pou Theatre)
*Proof of claim is required, please have your ID card ready to present when attending the event.
For Tīkiti Tūru Wīra, select ‘Wheelchair Access’ section when booking online, then select a ticket price from the list presented.
If you need assistance with your booking please contact us at booking@tepoutheatre.nz or via phone on (09) 213 0496 during the hours of 9am – 1pm.
NB: Transfers for tickets will not be permitted
When you arrive at Corban Estate, follow the signs that lead to our whare.
CycleThere is a scenic cycle way that leads to Corban Estate Arts Centre. Lock your bike up in the bike stand available on site.
Bus & trainBus and train links arrive at Henderson Transport Centre, which is within walking distance to our whare. Check the public transport route in your area to plan your trip.
ParkingFollow parking directions as you enter into Corban Estate Arts Centre.
The Te Kōpua foyer, bar, kauta and pae tīkiti will be open 1 hour before show time. 
Our Bar serves a full range of beverages (non alcoholic and alcoholic) and snacks.
Our Kauta will be open for tasty bites before the show including steamed hāngī buns from The Hāngī Master, a vegetarian platter and a selection from ‘I Love Pies’.
🎟️ Our Pae Tīkiti (Box Office) will be open for ticket sales and pick ups.
Note: We no longer accept cash payments but welcome all major cards and paywave.
Wheelchair and walker accessibility
Our whare is accessible to wheelchairs and walkers.
To ensure you have the best visiting experience, contact us at ticketing@tepoutheatre.nz about your access needs so we can anticipate your visit.
Please note, your walker will need to be stored away during the performance so that it’s not a trip hazard to other patrons. An usher will return your walker to you whenever you need it.
Service animals
Service animals are welcome at our whare. If you’re bringing a service animal to an event, contact us at ticketing@tepoutheatre.nz before your visit so we can anticipate your arrival.
Blind & Low vision patrons
For this show we are providing pre-show notes in accessible formats for blind and low vision patrons.
We encourage you to share the gift of theatre by passing your ticket onto someone else to enjoy if you have to stay home.
Sounds of bombing.
