Syrian artist Hamzeh Al Hussien brings his journey as a refugee to Leeds Playhouse

Given how posh the arts are these days many performers easily graduate from public school to the stage, but Syrian artist Hamzeh Al Hussien took a very different route.

His family were displaced during the brutal Syrian civil war meant he spent six years in a refugee camp before this disability made him a priority for resettlement in the UK, and he came with his brother to the North East

In his new show Penguin aided by some simple props in the rehearsal room, he conjures a vision of an idyllic village in Syria, a place with a backdrop of mountains, a river and a waterfall, and with caves.  There are orchards where as a young boy he once stole lemons, and was shamed by his brother into giving them back.

It’s also a place he lived with his parents, two brothers and three sisters, and lots of animals – his dad’s a farmer – including six companionable dogs that he calls his bodyguards.

“It’s a beautiful place,” recalls Hamzeh wistfully.

Although how idyllic it was will come under scrutiny as Hamzeh was born with a physical disability that means he can’t walk like others walk. Penguin hints at memories of unkind jibes.

Ten years ago, Syria’s bloody civil war engulfed his family as they fled on trucks into nearby Jordan finding shelter in the rapidly swelling Za’atari refugee camp, where his mother and sisters remain to this day. His father eventually returned to Syria, as did his eldest brother, who had been working in Lebanon when the villagers fled.

Hamzeh spent six tough years in the camp, which currently had a population of 80,000 refugees.

The camp’s shopping street, where it’s said you can buy almost anything, is three kilometres long and nicknamed the Sham Élysées, a play on the Syrian name for Damascus, ash-Sham, and Paris’s famous Champs Élysées.

Life improved for Hamzeh when he discovered a theatre workshop run by a Spanish charity which provided activities for youngsters in the camp, and he continued his artistic journey through did a performance course at Gateshead College.

Penguin has been put together from his many stories and recollections, and a professional team was assembled to work on sound, movement, lighting, sets and costumes.

 “I feel it’s important to talk about this sort of stuff and for people to know about it,” says Hamzeh. “Refugees don’t come by choice. They are forced to leave their house or country.”

Penguin is in the Bramall Rock Void at Leeds Playhouse from 20^th – 21st October. Call box office on 0113 213 7700 or book online at www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk