معرفی
Exal Iraheta is an Assistant Professor of Instruction and Academic Advisor in the Radio/Television/Film department at Northwestern University's School of Communication, where he advises undergraduate RTVF students. A Chicago-based Salvi-American playwright and screenwriter originally from Houston, TX, his creative practice centers on brown, queer, first-generation narratives.
His educational background includes:
- MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage from Northwestern University
- BFA in Film & Video Production from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Exal's work humorously and provocatively explores intersections of cultural/gender identity, family, violence, sexuality, and magic. His plays consistently integrate Latino and queer perspectives through magical realism to address systemic social issues, often featuring autobiographical elements reflecting his immigrant experience.
His recent plays demonstrate a trajectory toward experimental formats including audio drama and staged readings, while maintaining thematic focus on identity politics and intergenerational trauma. Productions frequently collaborate with Chicago's theater ecosystem to amplify marginalized voices through innovative storytelling techniques.
His honors include:
- 2023 Lortel Theatre Commissioned Playwright
- The Chance Theatre's 2022 Resident Playwright
- 2020-21 Goodman Theatre's Playwrights Unit member
- Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center NPC Finalist
- National Playwrights Conference finalist
- Judith Royer Excellence in Playwriting Award finalist
- Honorable mention American Playwriting Foundation's 2019 Relentless Award
- 2018 Fornés Playwriting Workshop playwright
- Featured in American Theatre Magazine's "People to Watch" list (May/June 2020)
As Academic Advisor, Exal provides dedicated mentorship to RTVF undergraduates while maintaining an active creative practice. His residencies at Goodman Theatre and Chance Theatre function as professional development grants, providing resources for new play creation and industry connections that directly inform his pedagogical approach.
Exal collaborates extensively with Chicago's theater community through partnerships with A Red Orchid Theatre, Victory Gardens, Magic Theatre, and international collectives like The Untold Collectiv (UK), creating a dynamic network for developing new works that bridges academic and professional theater spheres.
