Sol abiad

Sol Abiad was born in Paris and has lived intermittently in the U.A.E. since 1984, with 20
years practice, performing and directing in Canada, France, and the U.K. During her
undergraduate studies at Queen’s University (Canada) in the 90’s, she first ran a small

theatre company, La Bouche, producing original work in collaboration with Kingston-
based writers and artists at Baby Grand Theatre. At postgraduate level, her workshop

experience included study units with Max Stafford-Clark (Royal Academy of Dramatic
Art), Anna Furse (Athletes of the Heart, U.K.), Peggy Shaw and Lois Weaver (Spilt Britches, Spiderwoman Theatre, N.Y.).

Directors who have greatly influenced her teaching and artistic processes include Peter
Brook, Robert Lepage, and Ariane Mnouchkine. Shortly after attending Mnouchkine’s
workshop at Théâtre du Soleil in 2009, Abiad returned to the U.A.E. determined to set up
a laboratory-style project, with a physical approach to devising theatre. In 2010, she
founded STAR TOO experimental theatre, dedicated to multimedia, collaborative
creations, produced mainly at The Fridge; a cultural venue located in Dubai’s industrial
zone, and commissioned in 2013 by Sikka Art Fair, certified by Dubai Culture & Arts
Authority.

Abiad’s work in theatre education and in the community seeks to advocate cultural
pluralism and innovation. In parallel to her work at Universities (Paris-Sorbonne University
Abu Dhabi, American University of Sharjah), she runs ACT TOO programmes aimed at
personal and professional development. ACT TOO courses include Acting for Adults
held at Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre from 2015 to 2018. In addition to
performance training, ACT TOO is also a service designed to provide commercial
groups coaching, animation of events and activations.