Written and Performed by Khawla Ibraheem

Directed and Developed by Oliver Butler

Review by Josie Rose

Traverse Theatre: Tickets

There is perhaps nothing more destructive, heartbreaking, and ruinous than war. From the constant fear and anxiety experienced by its victims to the terrible external realities made starkly visible to all around, Khawla Ibraheem captures the panic within the war in one personal story—Mariam’s.

We witness Mariam’s emotional journey as she prepares in Gaza, ready to save her family at the sound of the dreaded ‘Knock on the Roof’. With only five to fifteen minutes to survive, she practices the routine, using a pillowcase as her son, packing a back of essentials, and running as fast as possible. The repetition of this training in the play, the repeated music scores, and shadowy lighting build a gripping tension as we are drawn evermore to our central character. As Mariam runs, we see her silhouette cast behind her with projections cleverly used to suggest her entrapment. Seamlessly embodying the roles of her mother, child, and husband, Khawla Ibraheem gives a skilful and captivating performance.

Delicately directed by Oliver Butler and written by Ibraheem, the play is sometimes as humorous as it is heart-rending, showing the masterful control they maintain over the audience. We are never separated from the story throughout, aided by the thrust staging, but brought closer into the rooms and events as Mariam locks eyes on every row. This is her story, and we are here to listen.

Bringing light to one of the most critical topics, A Knock on the Roof is moving, truthful, and poignant. Not merely a piece of theatre, a story like this one truly makes you think.

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