In 1997, Femi Elufowoju Jr. pioneered the first theatre company in the UK to specialise in producing works focusing on voices hailing from the African diaspora and heritage. Challenging preconceived ideas perpetuated by mainstream media, tiata fahodzi, meaning ‘theatre of the emancipated’ offers a platform for the playwriting stars of tomorrow to unveil a range of perspectives on what it means to be African in the UK. 18 years on and it’s current Artistic Director, Natalie Ibu celebrates almost a year with the forward thinking theatre company. As Natalie prepares for this year’s tiata delights festival, Theatrefullstop are lucky enough to speak with her about what the festival has to offer, why she was drawn to becoming tiata fahodzi’s Artistic Director and offers advice to aspiring theatre makers.
Hi Natalie! tiata fahodzi will be hosting the tiata delights festival on Saturday 7th November. How are you feeling ahead of the event?