Iman Qureshi

Iman Qureshi is a London-based writer, awarded the PAPAtango prize for new writing for her play 'The Funeral Director' in 2018. Her work explores themes of race, gender, and sexuality, and she has spoken openly about her identity as a Muslim and her desire to create community and political change through her work.

Early life and education Qureshi was born in Pakistan before moving to Saudi Arabia as a child, and then to London in 2003. followed by performances in Edinburgh, Manchester, Nottingham and Oxford. This was the first time that PAPAtango had co-produced a play.

Qureshi was commissioned by Tamasha and Titi Dawudu to write two monologues for 'Hear me now', published by Oberon books.

Qureshi wrote a short play, Birthday Begum, as writer in residence at Mulberry School for Girls, funded by Tamasha's 'Re Fuel' project, with performances at Rich Mix and Theatre Royal Stratford East.

Her play, The Funeral Director, is being adapted for the screen with STV Productions. Her play, The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs, is also being adapted with NBCUniversal. She is one of 5 writers selected for ViacomCBS International Studios’ VIS unit's "First Look Deal Program."

Qureshi has written comment pieces for the Huffington Post, Guardian, and Independent.

Accolades Qureshi's play 'The Funeral Director' was shortlisted for Soho Theatre's Tony Craze Award in 2017, before winning the PAPAtango Prize in 2018. The play was selected top of 1,384 entries.

Qureshi's short film, 'Home Girl', directed by Poonam Brah, was featured in the Film London 'London Calling' film festival, and the 2019 BFI Flare Festival.

Works Plays Speed (Kali Theatre at the Tristan Bates Theatre, 2013) The Funeral Director (PAPAtango / English Touring Theatre, 2018) The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs (London's Soho Theatre and Kiln Theatre, 2022 and 2025, respectively) His and Hers (Soho Theatre) Side Effects (directed by Cheryl Ndione, Canary Wharf Roof Garden and Poplar Union) The Ceremony (Open Sky Theatre, 2020)

Monologues 'The Passport Thing', featured in 'My White Best Friend' (Bunker Theatre, 2019, Oberon Books/ Bloomsbury, 2020) 'Hear me now' (Oberon Books, 2019)

Film 'Home Girl' (directed by Poonam Brah, 2018).