Sarah Ghonaim

From performing an intensive implant surgery on the neck of my laboratory rat to becoming an independent actor and playwright, it was هللا سبحان) by the guidance of Allah). I am breaking free of the social boundaries of what a Muslim North African/Arab woman should be and instead carving a path that allows my humanity and the humanity of my community to shine through.

My journey has taken me through acting with local theater groups to playwriting: a form of rewriting my narrow narrative. Envisioning my identity has led me to working as an actor and playwright facilitator with HartBeat Ensemble, Escapism Productions, Faultline Ensemble, etc. to fight for social justice. My own playwriting and directing has allowed me to workshop with local Hartford artists of color who identify with the LGBTQA+ community.

Continuing my journey involves networking with other theater groups and artists to connect and evolve our approaches to theater within the community. Growth is increasing community involvement and breaking Eurocentric restrictions on theater.

An essential part of crafting my work is through the collective collaboration of the experiences of other artists of color. In creating a piece that opens up my world, I need the world and viewpoints of those in my community to feel seen and heard.