Samah Sabawi

Samah Sabawi, born in nineteen sixty-seven, is a distinguished Palestinian playwright, scholar, commentator, and poet. Her notable works include the acclaimed plays 'Cries from the Land' (two thousand three), 'Three Wishes' (two thousand eight), 'Tales of a City by the Sea' (two thousand fourteen), and 'Them' (two thousand nineteen). Sabawi's contributions to the theatrical world have earned her two Drama Victoria Awards and a Green Room Award, with 'Tales of a City by the Sea' being staged over one hundred times globally since its debut.

In addition to her theatrical achievements, Sabawi is a prolific writer whose essays and op-eds have been featured in prominent publications such as The Australian, Al Jazeera, and The Sydney Morning Herald. She is also a familiar voice on 774 ABC Melbourne's Jon Faine's Conversation Hour, where she engages in discussions alongside notable figures like Israeli writer Ari Shavit and actress Miriam Margolyes.

Beyond her artistic endeavors, Sabawi serves as a policy advisor for the Palestinian policy network Al Shabaka and is a board member of the National Council on Canada-Arab Relations. Her commitment to social issues is evident through her participation in public forums focused on peace building, women's rights in conflict areas, and the Palestinian right of return. Previously, she held the position of Executive Director and Media Spokesperson for the National Council on Canada-Arab Relations.

Sabawi's work extends to educating others about the Middle East's cultural and political landscape, having served as a Subject Matter Expert for the Canadian Foreign Service Institute's Center for Intercultural Learning. Her dedication to advocacy and the arts continues to inspire audiences and promote dialogue on critical issues.