My name is Laila Latifa
(pronounced “if-a” not “eefa”)
I am a mixed-race playwright from North London of Moroccan, Irish, and English heritage. Growing up in a working-class environment, watching TV and theatre I felt an absence of voices and stories that truly resonated with my experiences and identity. Driven by the glaring lack of representation of girls like me on stage I started writing.
My most impactful play, 'RAH (★★★★)', has been celebrated for putting North Africa on the comedy map and was also longlisted for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 37 Plays!
Additionally, my play 'Cally' ranked in the top 5% of applicants and was longlisted for the Women's Prize for Playwriting.
ABOUT ME
I have produced three of my plays – 'Conscience', 'It's Only Funny with Stage Directions', and 'RAH'. My writing delves into real-life experiences of class and identity, bringing mixed-race stories to the forefront with authenticity and passion.
In addition to my playwriting, I am the Artistic Director of Two Thousand and One Productions, a theatre company dedicated to representing underrepresented voices. Through Two Thousand and One Productions, I produce AFK, a scratch night providing opportunities for underrepresented artists to share their writing and showcase their talents.
Through my work, I strive to be a voice for working-class people like myself, using the power of storytelling to bridge gaps and foster understanding. My journey as a playwright is not just about creating art but about challenging norms, revealing the hidden tales of our world, giving a voice to those often left unheard and championing representation on stage.
Outside of theatre, I enjoy traveling and exploring different cultures, with the long-term goal of visiting every country in the world! I also have a deep love for rap and hip-hop music, cultures I was introduced to at an early age. You might see their influence in my writing.