Noor Theatre, A Middle-Eastern Theatre Company, Launches In NYC

Noor Theatre is pleased to announce its formation as a home for an emerging core of theatre artists. This new company is dedicated to supporting, developing and presenting the work of theatre artists of Middle-Eastern descent. As a vital presence in the theatrical landscape, Noor Theatre aims to create exceptional work that transcends cultural boundaries and speaks to all people.

Noor Theatre has been invited to be a Company-in-Residence at New York Theatre Workshop, the remarkable off-Broadway theatre noted for its acclaimed and innovative productions. NYTW will provide artistic support and organizational guidance to further Noor Theatre's development.

"A theatre with a Middle-Eastern American voice is a positive and significant addition to our theatre community," says Artistic Director of NYTW, Jim Nicola. "I happily celebrate the arrival of Noor Theatre. New York Theatre Workshop intends to be a part of nurturing Noor for many years to come."

Noor Theatre's Co-Founders are New York theatre makers, Artistic Director Lameece Issaq, Executive Director Maha Chehlaoui and Producing Artistic Director Nancy Vitale. Together, they are committed to shedding light on the dynamic perspectives of emerging theatre artists of Middle-Eastern descent. Noor means "light" in both Arabic and Farsi, and Noor Theatre seeks to illuminate these diverse viewpoints to foster greater understanding.

Beginning in the September of 2010, Noor Theatre will host a monthly reading series called "Spotlight," which will feature promising new works by artists of Middle-Eastern descent. For more information about Noor Theatre and upcoming programming, visit www.noortheatre.org.