The Return

A Play by Ala’a Al Qaisi

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land, water and skies of Canterbury-Bankstown, the Darug People. We recognise and respect Darug cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship with the land. We acknowledge the First Peoples’ continuing importance to our Canterbury-Bankstown community.

About The Return Project…

Inspired by and dedicated to the souls of Rozan and Nagham Abu Samra whose light continues to guide us, to the unwavering resilience of their father Marwan and family, and to all those who were taken too soon in this genocidal offence on Gaza.

The Return is a powerful theatrical experience written and directed by Ala'a Al Qaisi, blending poetry, performance, and visual storytelling to explore the deepest layers of what it means to be human. The play unfolds through the meeting of souls across time, war, and memory, a surreal encounter between the living and the dead that asks how humanity can awaken from its cycles of violence and rediscover compassion.

This event offers a shared moment of reflection, community, and hope. A chance to celebrate storytelling as an act of healing and to witness art that speaks to the heart of humanity itself.

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  • “The Return is a small and intimate performance that makes you feel part of the show, pulls on the heartstrings, and leaves a lasting impression.”

    —Robert Martin, renowned activist and 2025 Gaza Flotilla participant

  • "The Return is one of the most important pieces of theatre to come out of the current moment. It is not comfortable, and it is not trying to be. This moving work resonates with the costs of what it is to remain human."

    —Dr Iqbal Barkat Senior Lecturer in Screen Production Macquarie University