SELF EXPRESSION

LAYLA A non-binary, British-Palestinian drag queen navigates their expression of identity.

- ELIZABETH AUBREY

I was very frustrated with the lack of roles I was auditioning for as an Arab, queer actor,' Amrou Al-Kadhi says of their start in the industry. The British-Palestinian trans artist instead started writing and directing characters for queer Arabs to inhabit - as in Layla, the joyous story of a trans creative. 'I realised I felt most free, liberated and happy when I was creating universes, stories and roles I wish could have existed when I started out.'

Rising star Bilal Hasna delivers a show-stopping turn as Layla, who we first meet in drag and on their way to a performance. Layla initially seems comfortable with their queer, trans identity, but all that changes when they fall in love with Max (Louis Greatorex).