“Sabra” is a compelling one-woman play that delves into the complex emotional landscape of migration, identity, and family. Written and performed by Netta Yashchinand directed by Asnat Zibil, the production brings to life the story of Zhenia, a recent immigrant to Israel from the USSR in the 1970s. A mother of three, Zhenia shares her inner world with humour, honesty, and vivid authenticity, navigating hardship, hope, andher evolving relationship with her teenage daughter, Fania.
Based on Yashchin’s own experiences, Sabra draws from her childhood memories of migrating from Lithuania to Israel at the age of eight. The play offers a poignant reflection on the universal migrant experience, giving voice to the often-unspoken emotional complexities faced by those who leave one home to find another.
Netta Yashchin is a Lithuanian-Russian-Israeli-Australian multidisciplinary artist: an actress, director, writer, and musician. On October 7, 2023, she was performing at theCheb Theater Festival in the Czech Republic when the war in Israel broke out, displacingher once again. This personal upheaval deepened her commitment to sharing this story—a call to build empathy, understanding, and human connection.
Sabra has previously been performed in Israel and Australia, and in 2022 was featuredat the International Izmir Festival in Turkey. It was part of the prestigious United Solo Theatre Festival in New York and originally produced by the Teatroneto Festival in Tel Aviv in 2021.
Praise for Sabra
“A superb show—engaging, moving, and gripping from beginning to end. A rollercoaster of humour and tears.”
“A masterpiece of writing, directing, and acting. Entertaining and powerful. Almost a cult piece.”
“Netta Yashchin is energetic and captivating in Sabra. Her need to preserve family heritage through theatre is palpable.”
“A mirror to our society and family ties. I laughed, I cried, and I’m still thinking about it. Run to see it!”
“Sensitive, beautiful, and profoundly moving. One of the truest and most impressive performances I’ve seen in a long time.”
Venue: The Jewish Falk Centre, 5 Saber Street, Woollahra, NSW
Dates: Wednesday 18 September, Thursday 19 September, Friday 20 September, Saturday 21 September, Wednesday 25 September, Thursday 26 September, Friday 27September.
Show Time: 7:30pm
More Information: https://sydneyfringe.com/events/sabra/
