Noor Theatre

Overview

Noor Theatre is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, developing, and presenting the work of theatre artists of Middle Eastern, Southwest Asian, and North African descent. Founded in June 2010 by Lameece Issaq, Maha Chehlaoui, and Nancy Vitale, it is the only company in New York City with this specific mission.

Mission

The mission of Noor Theatre is to provide a platform for MENA/SWANA artists, countering negative stereotypes by sharing nuanced and diverse perspectives. Through productions, readings, and public speaking, Noor aims to enrich cultural dialogue and foster a more intelligent and humane understanding of Middle Eastern experiences.

Programs and Activities

Noor Theatre offers several key programs:

• Highlight Reading Series: Established by former Producing Artistic Director Nancy Vitale, this series supports playwrights of Middle Eastern descent. It has showcased works later produced by other organizations, such as Heather Raffo's Noura.
• 48 Hour Forum: Launched in 2015, this event involves playwrights, directors, and actors creating original productions inspired by headlines about the Middle East. It aims to spark conversations about media representation and its impact on communities.

Awards and Grants

Noor Theatre has received notable recognition, including an Obie Award in 2016. In 2018, it was awarded an Artists Advancing Cultural Change grant from the Pop Culture Collaborative to commission new works by Middle Eastern American writers.

Structure and Partnerships

Noor Theatre is currently a Company-in-Residence at New York Theatre Workshop. It has collaborated with institutions like The Lark and the Martin E. Segal Theatre Center to engage with the broader New York community.

Classification

Noor Theatre is classified as a 501(c)(3) organization under the category of Arts, Culture, and Humanities, specifically in the field of theater. Contributions to the organization are tax-deductible.