Theatre artist Sonya Hiwa, originally from Sulaymaniyah and now based in Erbil, has resumed her artistic career after a brief personal hiatus. A graduate of the Erbil Institute of Fine Arts, she says her work is inseparable from Kurdish culture. “I cannot do any work that does not have the imprint of Kurdish culture and art in it,” she noted.
Speaking about her career, Hiwa said she studied theatre and directing and has taken part in several stage productions and street performances. Her most recent appearance was in Women in Hell, directed by Hiwa Suad, which she described as a play that made a significant impact on Kurdish theatre.
Hiwa explained that she stepped away from the arts for a year and a half due to personal reasons but returned with a major street theatre production commemorating the victims of Halabja. She added that while theatre is her “soul,” she remains open to participating in cinema projects and has already gained experience through a short film.
Reflecting on her journey, Hiwa said that challenges are part of every artistic project. She recalled facing numerous difficulties during the production of Women in Hell, yet the team delivered a strong performance. The play was staged twice in Baghdad, as well as in Darbandikhan, Sulaymaniyah, and for three days in Erbil.
On the growing presence of women in the arts, Hiwa said she has witnessed a notable increase in female participation, which she attributes to the broader social openness developing within Kurdish society.
