tea with terrorists

A poster image on a plain yellow background. Sameena sits crosslegged looking out, smiling and pointing upwards to the title of the show above her head. She is surrounded by black line drawings of various things she mentions in the show.

Nominee - Outstanding Performer & Director of the Year, Wellington Theatre Awards, 2022

What’s it about?

​A rollercoaster ride of dark comedy and delicious storytelling.

Sharing stories from a life that has straddled two very different cultures, examining the nature of  conflict, and the need for power and control. Arguing with mullahs, being an atheist in a religious, liberal family, examining 30 years from peace  to conflict to occupation in Kashmir, Sameena takes us through a series of stories from her own life. Wandering outside the green zone in war torn Kabul; being stalked by a sheep in Coniston; and  having tea with some terrorists in Kashmir, this is a picaresque tale of a person who feels a sense of  belonging everywhere and nowhere; a story about the resilience of human nature, hope for our  future and what it might take to find peace for us all. 

​Journey with Sameena to find out why fear is redundant, joy is essential, and terrorists can be a  real hoot.

From Sameena...

Tea with Terrorists started as a stand up comedy storytelling show. Over the last 10 years it has morphed, mutated, and transformed into the theatre show before you now. 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.

Who’s involved?

Written and performed by Sameena Zehra.

Directed by Sabrina Martin

the reviews

​‘a masterful solo show where comedic storytelling combines seamlessly with warmth and intimacy making every minute count’.
Art Murmurs, Katie Hill. Wellington 2022

‘deftly timed jokes’
‘the perfect combination of winning writing and expert delivery’.
‘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’.
Off the Tracks, Simon Sweetman, Wellington 2022

‘Zehra intricately weaves poetic sparkle through a dark comedy show’
‘Zingy one liners pepper stories textured with a depth you don’t often see in comedy sets’
Regional News, Madelaine Empson, Wellington, 16 Aug 2022

where’s it been?

2022, Circa Theatre, Te Whanganui-A-Tara Wellington.
Tour 2023/24, Basement Theatre, Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.
Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival. Tauranga Arts Festival.
TAHI Festival. Taranaki Arts Festival.