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Soho Theatre presents

Jali by Oliver Twist

by Oliver Twist Wed 21 – Sat 24 Jun 23 60 minutes
OUT In Perth
ArtsHub
Time Out
Jali: noun: a West African historian, storyteller, praise singer, poet, or musician. Oliver Twist: a charismatic comedian and performer refusing to be defined by his turbulent past.

In this one-person show that is as delicately told as it is captivating, Oliver uses his exceptional storytelling abilities to reflect on his time as a refugee and to unpack what his life looks like now.

After fleeing the Rwandan civil war at the age of four, Oliver spent his childhood in Malawi, first in a refugee camp, and later in the city where his mother and father started a small convenience store. After acceptance into the Australian government’s refugee intake, the family arrived in Ipswich in 2014 to begin a new life.

Using personal anecdotes, drama and humour as a powerful antidote to trauma Jali is a vibrant and emotional journey that patiently proves there is light at the end of the tunnel.

‘Full of life, warmth, and vitality…. This is why we came back to the theatre.’
★★★★ Sydney Morning Herald

Jali was nominated for Best Independent Production at the Sydney Theatre Awards for 2021, with Oliver Twist also nominated for Best Newcomer.

Loved the show? Wanna see more?

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Reviews

'So brightly does he paint the opportunities of the future, he leaves us with the fresh realisation that new life is always possible.'
OUT In Perth
'Twist reminds us that all the borders that we build can be thought of as arbitrary.'
Time Out Sydney
'This is a remarkable, heart-breaking story that is well-crafted and sensitively performed by Oliver Twist, who is an excellent storyteller.'
ArtsHub

Cast

Oliver Twist

Writer and performer

Creatives

Morgan Moroney

Lighting and Set Designer

Jodi Rabinowitz

Associate Lighting Designer

Daniel Denholm

Sound Designer

Oliver Twist

Director