I’m a text based director who loves plays new, old, and everywhere in between.
My training as a director includes a well rounded education (BFA in Scenic Design and MA in Arts Management — Carnegie Mellon School of Drama; MFA in Directing — The Theatre School at DePaul University), numerous prestigious fellowships (Oregon Shakespeare Festival, O’Neill/NNPN, the Drama League, Old Globe), and over two decades of professional experience.
In 2019, I became the first woman of color to direct Shakespeare at the Guthrie Theater. My love for language developed at an early age—I was an only child for the first 10 years of my life and I spent a lot of time reading when I was growing up. My passion for text-based work has also lead me to adapting, and as an artist I do enjoy treating old plays like new ones and vice versa.
I have a special passion for directing Asian American work, being the child of Indian (Sindhi) immigrants and the former artistic director of Rasaka Theatre Company (the Midwest’s first South Asian American ensemble). Identities I bring to my work include: child of immigrants, grandchild of refugees, breast cancer survivor, and math nerd (proud alum of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy).
As a seasoned facilitator, I lead with generosity, candor, and curiosity. I’m a horizontal leader who seeks to create space for everyone in the creative process, particularly those from marginalized communities.
My practice is based on the traditional territory of the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Potawatomi peoples, colonially known as Chicago.
