Meraki New Play Program

"Everyone has a story, but not everyone knows how to tell it. I’ve been that person—filled with emotions, images, and truths that felt too big or too messy to shape—especially when the words feel too big or too impossible to put on the page. That’s where Meraki was born—from the desire to help others find a path to the page. To uncover the story only you can tell, and the voice that makes it powerful. 

Meraki is a Greek word that means: 

to do something with soul, creativity, or love;
to put something of yourself into the work. 

Meraki is about creating with heart. Investing your energy, your intention, and your passion into something that only you could create. It’s about leaving a piece of yourself in the story you tell. 

Meraki was created for all artists—but especially for those just beginning their journey. Whether you have experience in theatre or none at all, if you feel the pull to write but don’t know where to start, this space is for you. Bring your curiosity, your questions, your unfinished thoughts—and create that story that is wholly, unapologetically yours."

-Shadia A. Hafiz, Meraki Program Director

Strangers With Benefits, written by co-founder Shadia A. Hafiz, was the inspiration for the Meraki New Play Program.

• Selected for The Keegan Theatre 2022 Boiler Room new play series

• Fully staged production debuted at the 2022 Capital Fringe Festival

• Presented at Signature Theatre's  SigWorks on April 8, 2024

• Touring to Edinburgh, Scotland for the 2025 Fringe Festival