★★★★★ “A magnificent and extraordinary production that punches far above its weight” LondonTheatre1
★★★★ "Moments of tenderness that make the soul ache... will stay with me a long time" The Daily Mirror
★★★★ “Something very special… immensely captivating... a true treat to the soul” WhatsOnStage
★★★★ “Moving, unusual and funny… beautifully directed by Adam Karim” Broadway World
★★★★ "Warmth... Generous... Smartly Unexpected" The Guardian
★★★★★ “A magnificent and extraordinary production that punches far above its weight” LondonTheatre1 ★★★★ "Moments of tenderness that make the soul ache... will stay with me a long time" The Daily Mirror ★★★★ “Something very special… immensely captivating... a true treat to the soul” WhatsOnStage ★★★★ “Moving, unusual and funny… beautifully directed by Adam Karim” Broadway World ★★★★ "Warmth... Generous... Smartly Unexpected" The Guardian
JMK Award Winner
Eastern Eye Best Director
The Stage Debut Nominee
Guards At The Taj - Orange Tree
Photography by Lidia Crisafuli
I’m a mixed-heritage Pakistani-British Theatre maker from East London / Essex.
My mixed background has given me an observant, outsider’s eye. Always seeking connection but never quite secure in it, my work seeks out intense intimacy and deep connection. I believe theatre has an essential democratic function and I make work that is an emotional experience for an audience. I want them to be active, feeling participants in the event. I like to play with form, and love theatre in the round, but my priority is always ‘A Good Night Out’ for all involved.
Former NT Resident Director, Donmar Resident Assistant Director & Manchester School Of Theatre Graduate.
Directing Credits Include -
What Fatima Did (TARA), Before The Millenium (OFS), Guards At The Taj (Orange Tree/ JMK), Mantelpeace (Young Vic TP), Macbeth (LAMDA), Julius Caesar (RADA), Pressure Drop (Immediate Theatre), Platform (East15), Second Person Narrative (Omnibus/ ALRA).
As Associate / Assistant -
Confidential Title - The Musical (Playful), Clyde’s (Donmar), When Winston Went To War With The Wireless (Donmar), Trouble In Butetown (Donmar), The P-Word (The Bush) Sorry You’re not a Winner (Paines Plough)
Before directing I also had a career as an Actor, working on screen for the BBC & in BAFTA Nominated Films. My Acting theatre credits include - The Globe, Manchester Royal Exchange, Nottingham Playhouse & NT Live, The Arcola, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Queens Theatre Hornchurch & National Tours for ATG.
Before The Millenium - OFS
Photography by Alex Brenner
As well as working as a Director on a production I can work with you on development, as R&D Director or Dramaturg.
The discovery phase of early collaboration with a writer are some of my favorite creative moments and new work has formed the bulk of my career, including as Resident Director at The NT Studio.
Other R&D / Dramaturgy experience includes -
‘What Jinnah Said’ By Shahid Iqbal Khan – Almeida Genesis
‘Black Narcissus’ By Ruth D’Silva - National Theatre Studio, MGC FUTURES
‘The National Scandal’ by Ben Salmon – DYCP Script Development
‘Chicken Cottage’ – By Amin Ali - Bush Theatre
‘Black Narcissus’ By Ruth D’Silva - Stratford East
I started my creative career as a community facilitator and continue to love my work teaching and facilitating in a wide range of settings. Projects have included Hospitals, Homeless Shelter’s, PRU’s, Prisons, as well as schools and theatre’s.
I have taught on BA, MFA, Short Courses, and for community groups. Courses taught include - Acting, Devising, Directing and facilitation.
Organisations: RADA, LAMDA, Mountview, E15, RCSSD, IDSA, ALRA, Donmar, DreamArts, OddArts, Greenwich Theatre, Spanner In The Works, GLYPT.
