Syrian Director Naila al Atrash Discusses Theater, Censorship, and Exile

Muftah interviews Syrian actor and theater director Naila al-Atrash, discussing her career, her time in Syria, and the role of art and theater in the 2011 Syrian revolution.

Fernand Léger – Grand parade with red background (Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

by Alexander Schinis

Naila al-Atrash is a Syrian actor and theater director from Damascus. She graduated from Bulgaria’s Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in 1978. From 1989 - 1991 and again from 1995 - 2001, she chaired the acting department at the Higher Institute of Drama in Damascus. She currently teaches art, theater, and film studies at New York University with the support of Scholars at Risk, a New York-based NGO.

Muftah sat down with Ms. al-Atrash to discuss her career, time in Syria, and the role of art and theater in the 2011 Syrian revolution.