Inspired by the ancient Arabic traditions of story-telling and breaking bread,Hakawaticelebrates food, music and the telling of tales during a series of balmy summer nights at Parramatta’s El-Phoenician restaurant.

Hakawati, an Arabic word, translates as ‘the teller of tales’ and was the major form of entertainment in many Arabic communities before television arrived. Hakawatis were also influential propagandists and problem-solvers.

At El-Phoenician their art is revived in an intimate setting as meaningful stories with universal wisdom are shared. Feast on tales of heroism, tragedy and comedy, derived from myth and told with a distinctly modern Western Sydney flavour.

Tickets include the following four-course meal:

Course 1 – (mezza) Yoghurt & chick pea dips & fresh/fried breads
Course 2 – (hot entrée) Falafel and lamb pastry (vegetarian option replaces lamb pastry with spinach & cheese pastry)
Course 3 – (main meal) Chicken skewers and potato coriander (vegetarian option includes green beans and potato coriander)
Course 4 – (dessert) Traditional Lebanese coffee and baklava

Director
Wayne Harrison

Designer
Martin Kinnane

Dramaturg/cultural advisor
Aanisa Vylet

Cast
Olivia Rose
Dorje Michael Swallow 
Sal Sharah
Sandy Gore

Note: Latecomers will not be admitted.