Natalie Ibu has been appointed the new artistic director of Tiata Fahodzi, replacing Lucian Msamati. Ibu, who takes up the role in December 2014, joins the company as it starts its residency at Watford Palace Theatre, giving it a creative home for the first time in its 17 year history.
Ibu, an experienced theatremaker, has worked as a freelance theatre director, producer and dramaturg for many years. She comes directly from Derby Theatre, where she was creative producer for its In Good Company programme. Previous roles include associate director for HighTide Festival Productions, a year’s residency at the Royal Court Theatre, a producer at Only Connect and programme manager at The Roundhouse.
Ibu says of the appointment: “Tiata Fahodzi has played a vital part in my development, both personal and professional: from brokering a conversation with my own identity and the world as an audience member to facilitating me directing challenging work, as part of Tiata Delights in 2011. It will be an honour to lead this spirited and inspirational company into the future, building on the important work of Femi Elufowoju, jr and Lucian Msamati, and on its exceptional record of diversifying – through its audiences, artists and stories – the cultural landscape.”
Tiata Fahodzi – Theatre of the Emancipated – has become the leading British African theatre company since its foundation in 1997. The company creates world-class theatre reflecting the cultural experience of Africans. Recent productions include The Legend of Hamba (premiering at Brighton Festival and UK tour) and The Epic Adventure of Nhamo the Manyika Warrior and His Sexy Wife Chipo (Tricycle Theatre, Watford Palace Theatre and UK tour).
Picture credit: Robert Day