DIRECTOR

Abdul-Khaliq Murtadha is a visionary director, writer, and creative strategist whose work bridges professional theatre, film, and community-based storytelling. With a career rooted in collaboration, he has worked alongside filmmakers, theatre artists, and entrepreneurs to develop compelling narratives across stage and screen.

A major focus of his research and practice is the use of theatre as a vehicle for social engagement and change. As Co-Artistic Director of The Mosaic Theatre Company (MTC) at Auburn University, Murtadha develops and directs original works that explore themes of equity, inclusion, and justice. His productions are grounded in applied theatre methodologies, drawing from Anne Bogart’s Viewpoints and Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed to create immersive, issue-driven performances in schools, prisons, museums, and corporate settings.

Murtadha’s directing credits span new play development, staged readings, and full productions, including Detroit '67 by Dominique Morisseau, Barbecue by Robert O’Hara, and Water Spirits by Alicia Kester. He has also led multi-week intensives and community collaborations that center marginalized voices and foster dialogue through performance.

Previously, as a Creative Strategist with State & Cabrillo Productions, he provided development and production oversight for film and multimedia projects, including Just Add Water, a short film pitch to George Lucas directed by Nate Parker and starring Glen Powell and Jessie Williams.

Whether on stage or behind the scenes, Murtadha is committed to using storytelling as a tool for transformation—bridging communities, sparking conversation, and inspiring change.