Meet Farah Lawal Harris
Hi! I’m Farah. I am a creative visionary whose storytelling and leadership sparks transformation. Whether writing, performing, or mentoring, I champion authenticity and use my platforms to elevate underrepresented voices and foster community empowerment.
Artistic Leadership & Achievements
As a seasoned Artistic Director with over seven years of leadership experience, I’ve dedicated my career to elevating untold stories and fostering meaningful connections through the arts. I am passionate about leveraging creativity to inspire change, build community, and amplify underrepresented voices.
In my role as the Artistic Director of Young Playwrights’ Theater (YPT) in Washington, DC, I’ve had the privilege of producing award-winning programs that empower young voices and challenge societal norms. One of my proudest accomplishments is leading the decade-long Silence is Violence performance series, which uses theater as a tool for social justice, creating spaces for dialogue and healing around critical issues.
As a playwright, poet, and performer, my work has been showcased on renowned stages, including Arena Stage and The Kennedy Center. My writing style—rooted in what I call “Black Girl Magical Realism”—melds the poetic, the raw, and the socially conscious to create stories that resonate deeply with audiences. Being named a Kilroys’ List playwright has been a testament to my commitment to crafting narratives that matter.
Beyond my artistic contributions, I am passionate about empowering the next generation of creatives. From mentoring young playwrights to co-founding innovative theater companies like The Saartijie Project and Wild Women Theatre, I thrive on creating equitable spaces where artists and communities can thrive together.
This journey is not just about telling stories—it’s about building a legacy of authenticity, empowerment, and transformation. Every project I undertake is a step toward a more inclusive, compassionate world.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Wellness
My journey has been shaped not only by my creative and professional endeavors but also by the challenges I’ve faced and the resilience I’ve cultivated along the way. In 2022, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer—a moment that reshaped my perspective on life, work, and wellness.
Through this experience, I discovered the importance of holistic healing—integrating physical, emotional, and spiritual care into my daily life. This approach not only carried me through my treatment but also deepened my commitment to living authentically and creating space for others to do the same.
As I chronicled my journey publicly, I connected with a broader community of survivors, caregivers, and advocates. Sharing my story allowed me to inspire others navigating their own battles, reminding them of their strength and the power of self-care.
Today, I embrace wellness not just as a personal practice but as an extension of my work. Whether mentoring young creatives, collaborating with communities, or advocating for social justice, I bring a renewed sense of purpose and intentionality to everything I do. Wellness, for me, is about more than survival—it’s about thriving and empowering others to do the same.
This chapter of my life has taught me that challenges are not the end of the story; they are the beginning of a deeper understanding of who we are and what we’re capable of achieving.
My Artistic Vision
At the heart of my work lies a commitment to truth, transformation, and representation. I create art that is deeply personal yet universally resonant, blending the poetic, the raw, and the magical to illuminate stories often left untold.
My artistic style, which I call Black Girl Magical Realism, is rooted in the lived experiences of Black women and communities of color. Through this lens, I weave narratives that explore identity, resilience, and justice, using bold, imaginative storytelling to bridge the gap between the real and the extraordinary.
I believe in the power of storytelling to foster connection and ignite change. My plays, poems, and performances are invitations for audiences to reflect, heal, and engage with the world—and with themselves—more deeply. By centering underrepresented voices, I aim to challenge societal norms, inspire empathy, and create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Every project I undertake is grounded in the belief that art has the power to transform individuals and communities. Whether through the nuanced characters I write, the socially conscious themes I explore, or the creative teams I build, my vision remains clear: to use art as a catalyst for empathy, understanding, and empowerment.
Let’s Work Together
Are you looking for a creative partner who brings passion, vision, and authenticity to every project? I’d love to collaborate with you! With experience as an Artistic Director, playwright, and mentor, I specialize in creating transformative work that connects deeply with audiences and drives meaningful change.
Here are a few ways we can work together:
Artistic Direction and Leadership: Let’s create performances and programs that inspire and engage. I bring expertise in leading award-winning projects and fostering inclusive creative spaces.
Storytelling and Writing: Whether you need a compelling script, poetry that resonates, or help developing your own writing projects, I’m here to help you tell impactful stories.
Workshops and Mentorship: From mentoring young creatives to facilitating writing and leadership workshops, I’m passionate about empowering others to discover their voice and vision.
Speaking Engagements: I share insights on storytelling, leadership, and wellness to inspire and inform communities and organizations.
Every collaboration is an opportunity to amplify voices, ignite creativity, and create something extraordinary. If my vision and experience align with what you’re looking for, I’d love to hear from you!
Get in Touch
Let’s start the conversation. Reach out via my Contact Page, or email me at info@farahlawalharris.com. I can’t wait to hear about your ideas and explore how we can bring them to life together.