Good Chance has announced that A Grain of Sand, written and directed by Elias Matar and performed by Sarah Agha, will run at London’s Arcola Theatre from 21–31 January 2026 before embarking on a UK tour.
The one-woman show, inspired by Leila Boukarim and Asaf Luzon’s anthology A Million Kites: Testimonies and Poems from the Children of Gaza, blends Palestinian folklore with real-life testimonies from children in contemporary Gaza.
Renad, a young Gazan girl, embarks on a dangerous journey in search of her family and the mythical Palestinian Phoenix, the ‘Anqaa’. Her story is one of resilience, hope and the right of children to be children.
Originally commissioned by the London Palestine Film Festival, A Grain of Sand premiered at the Barbican Cinema in 2024 and had a one-off performance at the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival in July 2025.
The creative team includes Set and Costume Designer Natalie Pryce, Composer and Sound Designer Nick Powell, Video Designer Dan Light and Lighting Designer Jonathan Chan. Dramaturgy is by Good Chance’s Co-Artistic Directors Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson.
Speaking about the production, Elias Matar said:
“This play is about the power of imagination in the darkest of times. Renad’s journey reminds us that even in war, children dream.”
Sarah Agha added:
“Performing A Grain of Sand is a profound experience. It’s a story that demands to be heard.”
Following its London run, the production will tour to Leeds Playhouse (6–7 February), Theatre Clwyd (9–10 February), Marlowe Theatre (26–28 February), Bristol Old Vic (3–7 March), Traverse Theatre (10–12 March), Citizens Theatre (13–14 March), Theatre Royal Plymouth (17–18 March), North Wall Arts Centre (20–21 March), Belgrade Theatre (23–25 March) and HOME Manchester (26–28 March).
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
