Chamgei! Hello! I am Shariffa Ali. My early childhood was shaped by visits to the verdant landscapes of Nandi Hills, Kenya, where I was spellbound by the stories woven by my grandmother and village elders in the lyrical cadence of Kalenjin. Though I couldn't fully grasp the language, the emotive gestures and the flickering firelight shaped my early love for storytelling—a seed that would blossom into a lifelong passion for theater and performance.

In May 2013, I embarked on what was meant to be a brief journey from my home in South Africa to Pittsburgh, commissioned as a guest director at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture. Little did I anticipate that this visit would lead me to New York City, a city whose kaleidoscopic energy and creative chaos stole my heart, prompting my decision to make it my home in 2015.

Since settling in New York, I've had the privilege of contributing significantly to the arts scene, notably at institutions like The Public Theater and The New Group. Currently, I'm honored to serve as a faculty member at Princeton University's Lewis Center for the Arts, where I share my passion for directing and storytelling with students eager to explore the realms of creativity.

My artistic journey has transcended traditional boundaries, delving into Afrofuturist virtual reality experiences showcased at esteemed venues such as the Sundance Institute Lab and the Royal National Theater. Highlights of my directorial career include acclaimed productions at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Off-Broadway premieres at Classic Stage Company. Grounded in a commitment to collaboration and inclusivity, I cherish the diverse partnerships I've forged with visual artists, refugees, dancers, and other communities, enriching my creative vision and practice.

As an interdisciplinary artist, producer, and arts administrator, my role is to foster creative leadership and create the optimal conditions for artistic growth and exploration. My work at the intersection of humanitarianism and performance reflects my deep-seated belief in the transformative power of storytelling and interdisciplinary collaboration.