Toronto Fringe Review: The Woman Who Ate Falafel

Fatma Naguib is a force to be reckoned with in her solo production of The Woman Who Ate Falafel. Recounting exceptional moments from her life, Naguib uses versatility and expression to captivate an audience. Playing herself and other folks from her life, she manages to make use of dry humour, satire, and physical comedy.

However funny Naguib may be, the show’s premise is quite the opposite—Naguib spends her 55 minutes onstage detailing the oppression she faced in Egypt, the struggle it was to come to Canada, and the unexpected expectations she faces now that she is here. Critiquing Canada and the Middle East, Naguib speaks from her direct experiences, saying exactly how she feels —and every single moment is entirely deserved.

Naguib has given her body, heart, and soul to this production. In an end-nearing scene, Naguib draws from the irony and satire seen in previous ones. She becomes raw, remaining as enchanting as ever without any comedic coupling this time. Simply, she tells it how it is— growing up without equality, recognizing the lies of other countries, finding discrimination in her new home, and missing her old one. This is only one reviewer’s perspective, but I believe this production is capable of inciting change—whether personal or beyond.

The Woman Who Ate Falafel is a beautiful tale of empowerment and, frankly, being a badass against all odds.

The Woman Who Ate Falafel is on now until July 16 as part of Toronto Fringe. Show times and tickets.