Talawa Theatre Company Appoints Six New Trustees as It Celebrates 40 Years of Black British Theatre

As Talawa Theatre Company celebrates 40 years of pioneering Black British theatre, they have  appointed six new trustees who will help shape the company’s future. In a bold, purpose-driven move to champion Black British theatre for the next four decades and beyond, the new  appointees bring a wealth of expertise, advocacy and a shared commitment to strengthening  Talawa’s strategic vision.

Joining Talawa at this landmark moment are Kojo Apeagyei, Manmit Bhambra, Anoushka  Chakrapani, Nathan Gaël York, Ese Overo-Tarimo and Debbie Williams. They join the Board of  Trustees chaired by Shonagh Alice Reid, alongside existing trustees Shaniqua Benjamin, James  Charles Dacre, Naomi Danquah, Chanté Frazer, Kehryse Vanessa Johnson-Fraser and Diogo  Alexandre Dos Santos Varela.

The new trustees’ experience spans technology, accessibility, communications, marketing,  governance and the arts, building on the trailblazing legacy established by Talawa’s founders,  Yvonne Brewster OBE, Mona Hammond OBE, Carmen Munroe DBE and Inigo Espejel.

Leading AI strategist Kojo Apeagyei brings extensive experience in responsible technology  innovation and its application within the arts. Access and inclusion specialist Dr Manmit  Bhambra, who holds a PhD in Sociology from the University of Oxford, will strengthen the board  with her expertise in equity and representation. Producer and communications specialist  Anoushka Chakrapani is a passionate advocate for greater representation on stage, while  Nathan Gaël York brings significant experience in marketing, audience development and  supporting emerging talent through his own work as an award-winning theatre director and  writer. Lawyer and lifelong theatre enthusiast Ese Overo-Tarimo will contribute her legal  expertise in support of Talawa’s continued growth, while Debbie Williams brings a strong focus  on effective governance and the company’s long-term sustainability.

Joint Talawa CEOs, Carolyn ML Forsyth and Michael Buffong comment, As Talawa embarks on the next 40 years of its extraordinary journey, welcoming new trustees with skill, integrity, and a deep love for the organisation marks an exciting new chapter. Together, our Board and Executive are proud stewards of Talawa’s legacy, strengthening values-led governance to ensure we continue to thrive. We move forward with confidence, joy, and hope. We are small but mighty: “Mi likkle but mi Talawa”. 

Chair of the Board of Directors, Shonagh Reid comments I am delighted to welcome Anoushka, Debbie, Ese, Kojo, Manmit and Nathan to Talawa’s board. We consider ourselves very lucky to have attracted such a breadth and depth of talent which we know will benefit Talawa greatly in the coming months and years.

Photo courtesy of Talawa Theatre

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