Afghan refugee Saleh Sepas, 40, has made a huge impact on the Malaysian theatre scene as a playwright and director with Parastoo Theatre for years.

He has since flown off to resettle in the United States on Aug 16 with his wife, three children, and two cats.

Before that, he spoke to Malaysiakini about what brought him here in the first place, and why he believes in the role of the arts in society.

In 2016, Saleh left his home in Afghanistan with his family and arrived in Malaysia as a refugee.

This former fine arts major from Kabul University...