“Little Mosque on the Prairie” Creator Launches Write Out Loud

Zarqa Nawaz, creator of the hit CBC sitcom, “Little Mosque on the Prairie”, will be featured at the first Write Out Loud of the 2023-2024 season on Wednesday, September 20. Please note the change of venue from the Lyric Theatre to the Swift Current Museum.

Nawaz is a freelance writer, journalist, broadcaster, and filmmaker who utilizes comedy to explore relationships between Muslims and their contemporary North American neighbours.  She intended that “Little Mosque on the Prairie”, broadcast for six seasons and to more than 60 countries, demystify Islam and explain how practicing Muslims live their lives.  Currently, her comedy series, “Zarqa”, may be found on CBC Gem.

A Muslim woman of Pakistani origin, born in England, and raised in Toronto, Ms. Nawaz now resides in Regina. Her latest book, “Jameela Green Ruins Everything”, shortlisted for the Stephen Leacock Award for Humour, looks at what has gone wrong with Western foreign policy in the Middle East. It’s a hilarious, satirical, and touching story of one woman’s search for meaning and connection.

Through her production company, FUNdamentalist Films (putting the “fun” back in ”fundamentalism”) she creates short films and screenplays.

Nawaz is a passionate advocate for women’s rights within her community and a fierce defender of her faith as one of peace. She’s a frequent public speaker on Islam and comedy, gender and faith, and multiculturalism and plurality.

Write Out Loud is pleased to acknowledge sponsorship for this evening by Prairie Quills Writers’ Group and the Voth Family.

Write Out Loud commences September 20 at the Swift Current Museum. Admission is $8. Doors open at 6:30. Classical guitarist and Principal of Great Plains College, Brad Mahon, will entertain at 7:00, and Ms. Nawaz will follow.

The Write Out Loud committee greatly appreciates program support from Anderson & Company of Swift Current.