The Opposite / بالعکس
A creative work travelling from Calgary
November 5, 2025 - 7:30 pm
Presentation House Theatre, North Vancouver
Duration: 45 min with up to one-hour post-show conversation
Created and directed by Sleman Aldib, with Kawalease ACT and Swallow-a-Bicycle Theatre as co-producers. The creative team includes the stage manager, Rawd Almasoud, and the tour manager, Mark Hopkins.
Description
The Opposite / بالعكس invites audiences to imagine a reversal of reality: what if Vancouver became a warzone, and we were forced to flee to Syria for safety?
Inspired by the resettlement of over 44,000 Syrian refugees in Canada during the Syrian Civil War, this participatory piece places audience members in the role of Canadian refugees, navigating the challenges of displacement, alienation, and resettlement.
Through role reversal and immersive experience, the work offers a powerful reflection on war, identity, and the bureaucratic hurdles refugees face in their search for safety.
The Opposite / بالعكس has been celebrated for its powerful vision. In 2023, Sleman Aldib and Rawd Almasoud were named among the Canadian Arab Institute’s Top 30 Under 30.
Please note:
This interactive and participatory performance addresses war, refugee struggles, feelings of isolation, and bureaucratic obstacles.
