Scholars in the Arts
Randy’s provocative works of metal, wood, and paint have earned considerable recognition.
Anisa George
“Whether I become a filmmaker who focuses on Iran, or a theater artist in Syria makes little difference to me, as long as I continue to navigate this axis between art and society which has made life and work meaningful to me.”
- Program: 2008 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: London
- Hometown: Nazareth, PA
- Four-year College or University: Barnard College
- Graduate School: Naropa University
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Arts / Music / Performance, Film, International Economic Development, International NGO/Relations, Languages, Literature, Religion, Social Science / Anthropology, Writing / Journalism
- Other Interests: Film / Photography, Foreign Languages / International Study, International Economic Development, International Relations / NGOs, Languages, Literature, Performing Arts / Theatre, Social Science / Anthropology, Visual Arts, Volunteer Work, Writing / Journalism
Biography
PROFILE: Born to an American father and a British mother in Pennsylvania, Anisa George was given an Iranian name and raised as a Baha’i. She was part of her parents’ experimental company, Touchstone Theater, before she could speak. By the age of nine, she took part in their summer theater tours “cranking out slapstick, gorilla-clown work for kids everywhere.”
At Barnard College, Anisa studied Middle Eastern Cultures with a concentration on Iran. She traveled to Iran twice and eventually created a one-woman show, “Kharaji” (Foreigner), which centered on her experiences living in that country and growing up as a Baha’i in the US. She has toured her show extensively. She has also continued to perfect her Persian and Arabic, spending a year in the Middle East.
Anisa has undertaken two other major creative projects. She produced and directed a feature-length documentary called “Don Quixote of Bethlehem,” a three-mile theatricade (half theater, half parade) adapted in Spanish and English to unite the factions (Anglo and Latino) dividing the community. She is currently working on another long-term documentary in Bethlehem called “Hallowed Ground” on the conversion of the Bethlehem Steel factory into a casino-entertainment complex and the effect this will have on the community.
INSPIRATION: Anisa was inspired by her parents and their lives’ work.
ASPIRATION: Anisa plans to work as a creative artist and teacher in various mediums including acting, writing and filmmaking.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Anisa volunteered with the Yemen Education Relief Organization teaching photography and writing to child laborers and with Broadway Presbyterian Church running a homeless shelter for women.
ACCOLADES: Anisa graduated magna cum laude from Barnard College. She is a recipient of the Fowler Arts Grant to complete her documentary, “Don Quixote of Bethlehem,” and of the Tow Research Fellowship to support her research in Iran.
INTERESTING FACT: Anisa played a principal part in Jonathan Demme’s “Rachel Getting Married,” her first cinematic role.
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