A quick Google Search on Saleh Sepas would give one the impression that he is a leader in his field. And it wouldn't be wrong.

The award-winning Afghan playwright and theatre director's boundary-pushing work tackling tough subjects like domestic violence have landed him on panels and headlines and won him grants from various foundations.

Even during the pandemic when movement restrictions shut theatres worldwide, Sepas was still producing and directing innovative arts projects and performances online.

But looming over these achievements is a reality that casts a long shadow - Sepas is an asylum seeker.

Having fled Afghanistan in 2017 after receiving death threats from the Taliban, the father of three is among...