Her life story has hardly been straightforward but, dare I say, that is what makes it compelling. I speak of Iranian immigrant Sahra Davoudi, who arrived in Melbourne at age 25 and had to learn English. In fact, the first words she mastered were “sorry” and “hey, how you goin’?”
She tells us about a childhood marked by a significant injury. Suffice to say it involved a reenactment of the movie Titanic at age 11. Then, there’s a career trajectory against her mother’s wishes, involving a Bachelor of Theatre Arts in Tehran.
She speaks of having to hold her tongue and knowing what to say and do, for a word out of place within earshot of the Regime could spell curtains. Mind you, wearing big baggy clothing had its upside, for it was a good place to hide bottles of Jack Daniel’s and Absolut vodka.
Then, it was about being thrust into a foreign culture and way of life, of waiting and more waiting, before being granted permanent residency. Along the way there was a handsy boss, one of two jobs she held down at the same time. A recommendation from a friend led her to signing on for a Master of Theatre (Writing) at the VCA.
In truth, she had also prepared for acting roles her whole life. She learnt how to make the right noises, pull the right faces, listen, pause and speak up only when prompted. That was about survival.
Am I Who? x 2 is Sahra’s first solo work as a writer/performer and there is a lot in the 40 minutes she delivers. Sahra has a good sense of comic timing. She is particularly strong with her throw away lines. It is just her, save for a couple of questions thrown at her during her face-to-face interview with immigration officials.
The props amount to a full clothes rack, a handbag, a few notebooks, chairs, a stool, a cube and a small, round coffee table. Aided by some strong sound queues and mood lighting, she engages and entertains. On opening night, she had to be prompted a few times, but they were but momentary lapses that will no doubt subside as the short season continues.
I liked what I saw. Sahra shifts tone effortlessly. She knows how to spin a yarn, so she nails the landing. I am keen to hear and see more from Sahra Davoudi. Am I Who? x 2 is playing in the Craft Room at Meat Market in North Melbourne, as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival, until 10th October, 2026.
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- 2025 Melbourne Fringe Festival – theatre, music, comedy, dance
- Bad Boy (fortyfivedownstairs) – theatre review
- instructions and work.txt (Melbourne Fringe Festival) – Trades Hall
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
