Actor
Director
Writer
Educator

As a biracial, non-binary, Muslim American, I've often felt the pressure to simplify my existence for the comfort of others, and the loneliness that comes from never getting to see my whole identity reflected in art and media. The inability to fit into one neat little box and the realization I don't have to has inspired my interdisciplinary art practice as an actor, writer, director, educator, and community advocate.

My artistic mission is to:

1. Expand contemporary art that explores the cross-section of multiple identities, focusing on biracial representation, modern Muslim stories, and centering South East Asian & SWANA communities.

2. Empower artists of color to lead their own narratives & create paths to production outside of predominantly white institutions

3. Upend traditional artistic hierarchies and redistribute power for a uniquely collaborative art-making process 

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Instructor at Black Box Acting

Program Manager at The Chicago Inclusion Project

Adjunct Professor at The Theatre School at DePaul

Represented by Paonessa Talent Agency

Recent/Upcoming Work

  • Arab Spring - World Premiere Play

    SF BAT Co. & Golden Thread Theatre Company

    Written by Denmo Ibrahim, Directed by Nailah Unole didanas’ea Harper-Malveaux

  • HALF - Short Film

    Written and Directed by Arti Ishak, produced by Zaxie Films

    Upcoming Screenings:

    11/8 Indie Memphis Film Fest

    11/14 NM Asian American Film Fest

  • Monolingo - Short Film

    Monolingo - Short Film

    Winner 2024 Mosquer's Film Festival Pitch Competition

    Currently submitting to festivals

  • Closure - ReOrient Festival

    Written by Arti Ishak, Directed by Susannah Martin

  • Hatefuck - First Floor Theatre Company

    Written by Rehana Lew Mirza, Directed by Arti Ishak

  • Same Sects! - Haven Theatre

    Written by Paul Michael Thomson, Directed by Arti Ishak