Lama’s story is one of courage, passion, and breaking barriers. Growing up in Lebanon as a tall and shy child, she often felt different from those around her. But despite her quiet nature, she always sensed that she had something meaningful to share with the world. This inner drive led her to explore movement, sports, and theatre—ultimately shaping her into a powerful force in directing and physical theatre.
Finding her voice through movement and sport.
From a young age, Lama’s mother encouraged her by enrolling her in gymnastics and piano lessons. These activities taught discipline and creativity, but her true connection came when she discovered dance. It became her emotional language, a space where she could express stories and feelings beyond words.
Alongside dance, she also played basketball professionally. The court taught her teamwork, resilience, and confidence—qualities that later shaped her theatre work, where physical presence and ensemble collaboration are vital.
Theatre a place to belong and create.
Around the age of twelve, Lama discovered theatre, a turning point in her life. The stage gave her the emotional and creative freedom she longed for. It felt like home, blending movement, storytelling, and human connection.
Her theatre teachers played a crucial role, nurturing her talent and building her confidence. Their belief in her inspired Lama to create similar safe spaces for young people who feel shy, different, or unheard.
Growing up different. Challenges of identity and representation.
Growing up Black in Lebanon came with isolation and limited representation. Lama rarely saw people who looked like her in the arts. Instead, she found strength in icons like Serena Williams, Oprah Winfrey, and Lebanese actress Carol Samaha.
An English teacher also left a lasting impact, helping her understand self-worth and self-love during difficult times. These experiences planted the seeds for her desire to direct—not only to tell stories but to create platforms for others who felt invisible.
Taking the leap. Choosing passion over security.
After earning bachelor degrees in Graphic Design and Physical Education, Lama had a secure job offer in Qatar. But she chose passion over safety, enrolling in Theatre and Directing at Lebanese University. Later, she moved to London to study Movement Directing at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
This leap shaped her life. She performed internationally in cities like New York, London, and Berlin before returning to Lebanon in 2018 to give back to her community through Seenaryo. Here, she helps youth and marginalized groups find their voices through theatre and movement.
Fighting stereotypes and creating new opportunities.
In Lebanon, Lama faced racism and limited casting opportunities, often being offered stereotypical roles that did not reflect her identity or values. She refused them and turned instead toward directing and physical theatre, where the body is the storyteller and narrow narratives disappear.
Today, she works with migrant domestic workers and marginalized communities, ensuring their stories are portrayed with dignity and truth.
Current artistic projects and vision.
Lama is currently working on three major projects that reflect her artistic philosophy and social mission:
She is directing Intense, a short play created in collaboration with the Italian Culture in Lebanon, building her directing skills and expanding international connections.
She is directing a new adaptation of The Maids, funded by AFAC, and involving migrant domestic workers whose real experiences shape the entire production. This work challenges stereotypes around labor and power.
As Artistic Director for the Ibn Battuta Project with Seenaryo, she leads a large-scale initiative across Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Syria, and Palestine. The Lebanese production will feature 100 actors and explore themes of borders, identity, and journey—ideas closely tied to her own life experience.
Guiding principles. Listen stay humble be grateful.
Lama’s core values—listening, humility, and gratitude—guide everything she does. Listening means creating space for voices long silenced. Humility reminds her to keep learning. Gratitude keeps her grounded and connected to the communities she serves.
She now mentors young artists the way she was once mentored, believing in them even when they can’t yet see their own potential.
A dream for the future. Inclusive and collaborative theatre.
Lama dreams of building an ensemble company where theatre, dance, music, visual arts, and literature merge. A space without hierarchy, full of collaboration and artistic exploration.
Her goal is to create work that reflects the complexity of the world—art that is accessible, inclusive, and transformative.
Legacy and impact.
Lama hopes to leave behind a legacy of inclusion, representation, and empowerment. Her journey from a shy child to a global movement director shows the power of courage, self-belief, and lifting others up.
She continues to inspire communities through art and storytelling, proving that theatre can change lives and strengthen society.
Photo Credits:
- Moleskine Foundation – Creative Revival Conference 2024
- Temper, Physical Theatre – @inter residency 2024
Do follow her on Instagram
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