The Sky is Safe

Ed Fest Mag / Miriam Larrainzar


Actor and playwright Matthew Zajac returned to Scotland from a failed job opportunity in Istanbul back in 2012, resulting in the idea behind The Sky is Safe being born.

The Sky is Safe is an emotionally charged and politically powerful masterpiece.

It tells the story of the meeting between a privileged westerner and a Syrian refugee who meet in Istanbul. Embedded in the dialogue are the sub-stories of many Syrian refugee women and the horrors and scars of war.

Matthew Zajac has written a beautiful and accessible script about the Syrian tragedy. The poetic language used – plus the beauty and brutality of the captivating images created by director Ben Harrison – produce such juxtaposition and potent intensity, making the audience uncomfortable as they sit at the edge of their seats aware of their safety and fortunate circumstances.

The energy and chemistry between both performers, including Zajac himself, is hypnotising. The other half of the two-hander, Dana Hajal, gives an extraordinary and emotionally draining performance, effectively bringing the stories of these women to life.

Furthermore, the show is visually clever, with graffiti art-like animation and street POV videos projected onto the set, allowing the city of Istanbul to come to life right in front of our eyes.

The Sky is Safe is far from a shy production; it is a shameless shout out to the reality and pain of many. If you are willing to open your eyes and be taken through an emotional journey which will shake you to your core, book your tickets now.