one4review | On 11, Aug 2026

Majenin is an Arabic word for ‘crazy people’. Marena Riyad employs this title for this hybrid stand-up play about two Palestinians falling in love far from home in New York and London, though still inextricably bound by their connection to their heritage. The title speaks to something of love as a shared delusion that these characters participate in, creating a bubble removed from the tension of building lives and creative identities for themselves far from the reality of a war-torn Palestine; instead they pour themselves into finding a sense of belonging in each other.

The small cast of performers is stellar, with actors Nadia Dawber and George Kreitem appearing alongside Riyad on stage. They deliver perfectly grounded performances and their dialogue feels natural and distinct. The format of this love story is reminiscent of romance films by the likes of Richard Linklater or Eric Rohmer. The audience are invited into little vignettes and a series of intimate conversations between two people in love trying to understand each other, authentic conversations which can feel romantic, awkward, triumphant or futile. This dialogue reveals a lot of the central tensions, often discussing the cultural disparities between Arabic and Western approaches to love and relationships. Riyad’s writing regarding her own dating experiences is particularly thoughtful and moving in her exploration of topics such as being considered too conservative to American men, yet not traditional enough to be the perfect Arab wife.

While the occupation of Palestine undoubtedly looms large as the elephant in the room, both for the audience and for the characters, you would be mistaken to expect another tragic narrative about the occupation. To paraphrase a statement made by Riyad towards the end of the show: ‘Nobody wants to see a happy Palestinian’; her show resists this and proves there are other stories to tell, capturing a representation with far more humanity and humour. This show asks the audience to look beyond trauma, to sit with these Palestinian characters as people with ambitions, worries, daily annoyances and a sense of joy beyond being reduced to the responsibility of being mouthpieces for tragedy. Riyad is a warm and charming presence, and her writing offers such a unique perspective which has stayed with me since seeing the show, a uniqueness which cements her as a performer to look out for.

4 stars ****
Reviewed by Niamh
10 Dome at Pleasance Dome
Until 31st August (excl. 18th and 19th)
11.45 – 13.00