Najla Said (Arabic: نجلاء سعيد; born 4 April 1974) is a Palestinian–American author, actress, playwright, and activist. Through her literary and academic work, Said has confronted racism, stereotyping, social and economic inequality, and among others, the specific challenges that face immigrant and second-generation Americans.
Najla Said | |
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نجلاء سعيد | |
Born | New York City, New York, United States | 4 April 1974
Alma mater | Princeton University |
Occupations | |
Years active | 2011–present |
Works | Full list |
Parents |
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Relatives | Wadad Makdisi Cortas (grandmother) Rosemarie Said Zahlan (aunt) Jean Said Makdisi (aunt) Saree Makdisi (cousin) |
Writing career | |
Language | English |
Period | Contemporary |
Genre | Non-fiction, memoir |
Notable works | Looking for Palestine: Growing Up Confused in An Arab-American Family |
Website | najlasaid |
Said grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.[1] Her father was the noted postcolonial scholar and public intellectual Edward Said and her mother is the writer and activist Mariam C. Said.[2] She graduated from Trinity School in 1992 and Princeton University and trained in acting at The Shakespeare Lab of the Public Theatre.
In 2013, Said discussed Arab identity politics with Salon magazine and her approaching of the subject in her book Looking for Palestine.[3]
In 2010, Said featured in a one-woman off-Broadway play, Palestine.[4]
Said has appeared in films including My Love Affair with Marriage, as well as several US TV shows including New Girl, NCIS: New Orleans and New Amsterdam.[5]
"Najla's play is important because it adds a personal dimension to the difficulties of communication in a life that has many different reference points," Mr. Barenboim said...