A Word from our Co-Founder, Lameece Issaq:

After thirteen years, I am stepping down as Noor’s Artistic Director. Founding Noor with my fellow artists Maha Chehlaoui and Nancy Vitale was one of the highlights of my artistic life. Of course, this all started when I came into community with the terrific MENA/SWANA directors, writers, performers and leaders already making their mark on the theater. I’ll never forget what those first years were like, meeting people with similar heritages who were also eager to build and sustain a creative career. It was like becoming a part of a family I never knew I could have. We would all navigate an urgent, post 9/11 world, our call to represent our diverse communities vital and impassioned. We would never be artists alone, we would be activists too, insisting on our place in the arts, insisting that we tell our stories our way.

More than a decade later, I continue to be profoundly inspired by this community, and the enormous strides it has made in so many areas of our industry, through sheer grit and talent. The artists have always kept me going, and being in a room with so many of you over the years has given me hope, joy and a sense of belonging. Thank you for holding me up and for being a source of uplift and inspiration. I’ve loved being a part of Noor and the wider MENA/SWANA community - and I cannot wait to see what heights this talented group of artists soar to next, as it continues to expand and grow. And I am thrilled to know I leave Noor in excellent hands. Whether stepping into new leadership roles or continuing to be stalwarts of our community, Kate, Sivan, Salma, Catherine and Ariana give me such faith in the future of Noor, and theater itself. (We sadly say goodbye to Megan, however, who has been integral to Noor's growth and success.) I hope you will continue to champion these wonderful leaders and Noor as they navigate the tough questions and challenges of an ever-changing world.

Thank you for all of your support over the years, and your continued support of Noor and our community.

With love and gratitude,

Lameece