Darina Al Joundi

Darina Al Joundi is a Lebanese-born stage actor. She became a French citizen after Prime Minister Manuel Valls read a review of her performance at the 2012 Avignon Festival and decided to speed up her application. She has actively promoted women's rights for the French government. Al Joundi was born circa 1969 in a Muslim family and attended Catholic schools. She emigrated to France after being sent to a psychiatric hospital run by nuns in Jounieh. Al Joundi co-wrote and performed in the one-woman show 'Le jour où Nina Simone a cessé de chanter' at the 2012 Festival d'Avignon, receiving praise from critics. Her compelling story and dedication to her craft have garnered recognition throughout her career.