In this episode of Tak on the Pod, Andrea sits down with the talented Najla Said, a Lebanese-Palestinian-American actor, playwright, and author whose powerful work in theatre and literature explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexity of cultural narratives. Known for her groundbreaking solo show Palestine and her memoir Looking for Palestine, Najla opens up about her journey as an artist and the personal and cultural experiences that shaped her voice.
As the daughter of the renowned scholar Edward Said, Najla has inherited a legacy of challenging cultural narratives and redefining the portrayal of Arabs in the West. She reflects on how her father's work, especially Orientalism, influenced her own creative journey and how she seeks to continue the work of breaking down stereotypes and reclaiming Palestinian identity through art.
In our conversation, we dive into the power of storytelling as a tool for empathy and cultural understanding, the role of feminism in her work, and her thoughts on the evolving representation of Arab-American voices in the arts.
Najla’s insights offer a unique perspective on the intersection of art, identity, and cultural dialogue, reminding us of the importance of reclaiming our stories, connecting across divides, and finding our shared humanity through the arts.
Video version also available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl8eKDEwecE&list=PL2bJze-gVzTGMT4cRrL6BQdLK7OOtmF7n&index=1&t=1s
Intro Music:
"Castro in the City" from the album "Madinatuna" by Paul Salem.
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