Mirza, the founder and artistic director of theatre and film company Desipina Productions, will receive yearlong support from the Lark to develop her new work, as well as a $1,000 cash prize. A public reading of her play will take place at the end of the year.

"There are millions of reasons out there to stop being a playwright. But the one reason I keep at it is for the love of telling a story that wouldn't (or couldn't) get told by anyone else. For the next year, I'll have a second reason: a place for the story to be heard, and an artistic community to help shape it. This fellowship is coming at just the right time, as I've been constantly hoping for that extra push that can better connect me to my work, and that can connect others to it," Mirza said in a statement.

The young playwright will be formally presented with the honor on Oct. 4. As a recipient of the residency, she will also be eligible for long-term developmental support through the Lark's alumni programs.

Mirza's plays have been presented at the Asian American Theater Company, Arena Stages, Studio Space @ Theater Row, HERE Arts Center, Rasik Arts, Asian American Arts Centre, Culture Project, EST, The Flea, Center Stage NY, The Tenement Museum, Richmond Shepard Theater, Artwallah CSV Center (2G) and the Abrons Arts Center.

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