Who is Sahra Davoudi?
I’m an Iranian-Australian playwright and performer based in Melbourne. I was moved to Australia in 2015. A lot of my work comes from living between those two places, and from my curiosity about identity, belonging.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Maybe I’d have a little café somewhere, but knowing me, I’d probably end up turning a corner of it into a tiny theatre anyway.
Who inspires you and why?
My family, especially my mum and my brother.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
By telling stories that often go unheard and creating spaces where people feel seen.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Tehran. It’s home. I love the mountains, the chaos, the food, the noise and that particular energy the city has.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Probably a walk down Sydney Road in Brunswick. I like that it feels alive and a little messy, with so many different languages, people, shops and food all mixed together.
What are you currently reading?
Mostly my own script, over and over and over again! I’m currently performing my solo show at Melbourne Fringe, so unfortunately my reading life has become extremely repetitive.
What are you currently listening to?
At the moment, mostly recordings of myself rehearsing my lines, which is a very strange soundtrack to have following you around all day. I’ve been listening back to them whenever I can to get the show into my body and out of my head.
Happiness is?
Being completely yourself in a room and not having to think about it.
What does the future hold for you?
Right now, I’m performing my solo show Am I Who? X 2 at Melbourne Fringe, which has taken up most of my brain for quite a while. After that, I’d love to keep developing my writing and performing, get more of my work onto stages, collaborate with people I admire, and hopefully get a little more sleep.
Sahra is currently presenting her solo show, Am I Who? X 2, at the Festival Hub: Meat Market – Craft Room, as part of the 2026 Melbourne Fringe, until 10 October. For more information, visit: www.melbournefringe.com.au for details.
Image: Sahra Davoudi (supplied)