When it comes to successful theatrical storytelling, one common component is heritage and culture. Such is the case with Pickled, a queer story centring around two gay Middle Eastern brothers.
Having already earned acclaim in previews, Pickled tells the story of Sammy and Yousif – Lebanese brothers who come together after the sudden death of their mother. On discovering their only inheritance is a jar of pickles, they are forced to examine their lives, family and cultural identity. Matt Myers spoke with two of the show’s creators and cast members – Antony Makhlouf and Najee Tannous.
Antony Makhlouf and Najee Tannous in Pickled Photo: Teniola Komolafe
How did the concept for Pickled come about?
Najee: It emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time of global isolation and reflection on human relationships. It came from a personal journey that delved into familial dynamics and inheritance, and I was fascinated with how people react to death. Pickled became a love letter to the Arab and Queer community. It’s a message about preserving the essence of one’s cultural lineage, as a person of colour and co-existing between the queerness of one’s identity and cultural bloodline.
Tell us about your character.
Antony : Yousef is the black sheep of his family who rebelled against his upbringing and culture to live his true self. Returning home after being estranged for a decade, he questions his decisions. He’s a puzzle with an internal struggle between individualistic and collective responsibility. Yousef presents a hard exterior but underneath he’s really craving acceptance and love.
“Sammy’s character reflects a part of myself that I’ve long kept hidden,” – Najee Tannous
Najee: Sammy is a 30-year-old who has shouldered the weight of responsibility for his family, especially his ailing mother. His devotion to caregiving reflects his deep sense of duty, but it’s also left him feeling isolated and withdrawn. His brother, Yousef, embodies everything Sammy yearns for – a life of freedom and authenticity. Sammy’s resentment towards Yousef stems not just from jealousy, but from a longing to reclaim a relationship that feels lost. One that’s lost in the shadow of his brother’s vibrant and queer existence.
Antony Makhlouf and Najee Tannous in Pickled Photo: Anna Kucera
Has there been any challenges?
Antony: Being one of the co-creators, we’ve been fortunate to craft the characters ourselves from lived and shared experiences. That made preparing just that little bit easier, which was good because the content gets heavy. Playing Yousef is a chance to be self-reflective of my own life.
Najee: The creation and development of Sammy as a character is deeply personal and innate to my own lived experiences. He embodies the complex dynamics of growing up in a household with four brothers, where testosterone often dictated interactions. The heart of Sammy’s character reflects a part of myself that I’ve long kept hidden – the Arab boy who struggled with his queerness while navigating life in Western Sydney. Uncovering and portraying my truth was critical in capturing Sammy’s authenticity.
How important are the themes of Pickled?
Antony: As queer Middle Eastern Australians we’re unofficially presented with roughly two choices about dealing with sexuality – you either come out and risk losing your family, or you hide it and keep your family. Each character in the play represents these two options and consequences. The importance of the work rests in this representation, as the loss of family is synonymous with culture. Pickled reimagines Lebanese-Australian culture to be inclusive of queer identities. We all have the right to own our culture, Lebanese or whatever, regardless of how we identify.
“Pickled reimagines Lebanese-Australian culture to be inclusive of queer identities,” – Antony Makhlouf
How has the audience reacted?
Antony: The response from the migrant queer community has been one of feeling understood and visible. After seeing the show, some parents said they needed to make sure their children knew they were loved, no matter what. That was an important takeaway – how the themes of identity and acceptance are calling out for change from multiple members of the community.
What do you hope audiences will take away from seeing this show?
Najee: Pickled is hilarious, but it’ll punch you in the face and have you arguing about inheritance at the family dinner table! Importantly, it will sit as a deep reminder of the complexities we endure, especially about the struggle of self-acceptance.
“I want this show to soothe those ostracised queer children, Middle Eastern or not,” – Antony Makhlouf
Antony: Apart from being entertained, we want audiences to understand that the queer experience differs within different ethnic spaces. These experiences come with their own unique challenges and celebrations. Pickled is for everyone, but ultimately, I want it to soothe those ostracised queer children, Middle Eastern or not.”
Pickled premieres at the Belvoir St Theatre, Sydney from 20 August to 8 September
Visit: belvoir.com.au
Antony Makhlouf and Najee Tannous in Pickled Photo: Teniola Komolafe
