IMMIGRUNTING
WORLD PREMIERE at NZ INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL 2023
Unsettling encounters with animals, absurd border shenanigans, and that time David Attenborough narrated
her death in the wild… or did he? Sameena Zehra is back, sharing stories from a life spent travelling everywhere, and belonging nowhere. Until now. Maybe. If she can convince ImmigrationNZ she is, in fact, a viable human being. Darkly hilarious and deliciously profane, this is an invocation to kill capitalism with fire. Or at least smack it in the face with a sardine.
TEA with TERRORISTS.
NOMINEE **OUTSTANDING PERFORMER** & **DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR**
Wellington Theatre Awards 2022
Adapted for the Theatre.
Written and performed by Sameena Zehra
Directed by Sabrina Martin
Tea with Terrorists started as a stand up comedy storytelling show. Over the last 10 years it has morphed, mutated, and transformed into this new theatre show. I never tire of the thrill I feel being in the room with a live audience, creating that moment of sharp intimacy between strangers as we agree to let our imaginations collude and collide and escape, together, into the world of stories.
'A rollercoaster ride of dark comedy and delicious storytelling. Sharing stories from a life that straddles two very different cultures; arguing with mullahs; being an atheist in a religious, liberal family; planning the perfect murder; wandering outside the green zone in war torn Kabul; being stalked by a sheep in Coniston; and having tea with some terrorists in Kashmir. Journey with Sameena to find out why fear is redundant, joy is essential, and terrorists can be a real hoot.
‘Sameena Zehra is a gifted storyteller. Someone you are instantly drawn to. You listen for the heart, humour and wisdom. And it’s simply a beautiful, funny and moving experience... deftly timed jokes... the perfect combination of winning writing and expert delivery’.
Off the Tracks, Simon Sweetman, Wellington 2022
‘a masterful solo show where comedic storytelling combines seamlessly with warmth and intimacy making every minute count’. Art Murmurs, Katie Hill. Wellington 2022
‘Zehra intricately weaves poetic sparkle through a dark comedy show’ Regional News, Madelaine Empson
ARSEBISCUITS
WINNER **SPIRIT OF THE FRINGE**
New Zealand Fringe 2019
NOMINEE **BEST COMEDY** & **BEST IN FRINGE**
Dunedin Fringe 2019
We're all some kind of arsebiscuit.
The trick is how to be more biscuit, less arse.
What price friendship, when revolution beckons? What price joy and compassion? And what about the menz?
A goulash of storytelling and political commentary, peppered with absurdity, dark humour and personal context.
Intent & consequence. Power & control. These are words. I will use them. You will laugh*
*terms & conditions apply
‘Her method of comedy is sharp and loaded when taken face value, but became warm in its humanity and wit as the performance progressed…
Not one to shy away from confrontational (albeit very necessary) social and political dialogue…
…audiences are entertained throughout; laughing at the venue and self-reflecting at the exit.’ Jesse Duggan, NZ Herald
TEA with TERRORISTS.
WINNER **OUTSTANDING PERFORMER**
New Zealand Fringe 2017
'An enthralling hour of unique storytelling comedy. Sharing stories from a life that straddles two very different cultures; arguing with mullahs; being an atheist in a religious, liberal family; planning the perfect murder; wandering outside the green zone in war torn Kabul; being stalked by a sheep in Coniston; and having tea with some terrorists in Kashmir. Journey with Sameena to find out why fear is redundant, joy is essential, and terrorists can be a real hoot.
'A warmly witty hour…. astonishing, and frequently violent.’
The Independent
'Great verve...funny... clever... entertaining.'
Adelaide Advertiser
'A master storyteller' ★★★★
Three Weeks, Edinburgh
'Zehra’s comedy is witty and appealing... 'Final word: 'Terrorific'
Rip It Up, Adelaide
'Sameena finds humour in almost every strand of her life ...I was left wanting the next chapter.' ★★★★★
The Latest, Brighton
HOMICIDAL PACIFIST
NOMINEE **BEST IN FRINGE**
New Zealand Fringe 2016
It is time to cull the human race. But how is a life-long believer in non violence to choose? By making a list. A culling list.
The internationally acclaimed show from a pacifist with a culling list (what?). Sameena combines the weight of her political opinions with her particular brand of caustic, dark humour, in a 'playfully demonic' (Tony Allen) show that explores the sublime and the the ridiculous, whether there is hope for the human race. On balance, there is. Maybe. Possibly. Who knows.
A whirlwind hour of comedy and storytelling that will have you laughing, thinking and arguing in equal measure. And possibly exploring your inner homicidal pacifist, as you pen a culling list of your own.
'The political heart of Bill Hicks... a show that's brave, funny, fiery and true'
Herald, Scotland.
'Combines warmth with political passion.' ★★★★
Scotsgay
‘Fresh, sharp and socially conscious... instantly loveable’
Fringebiscuit
'Ballsy, intelligent, searing... the best show of the fringe.'
Radio Adelaide
'A goulash of hilarity... dark, intelligent banter... intelligent, sharp and ingenious' ★★★★
vulture magazine, Melbourne
