Theatre company tiata fahodzi are now one of five theatre companies across England to join up with the Regional Theatre Young Director scheme.
The country’s longest running and most influential training scheme for new directors, the scheme will see new director Ajjaz Awad-Ibrahim will be joining tiata fahodzi on a three-month placement, working alongside experienced theatre professionals.
Regional Theatre Young Director Scheme was established in 1960 and has helped to establish the careers of Ken Loach, John Tiffany, Vicky Featherstone and Rupert Goold amongst others.
By joining tiata fahodzi, Ajjaz Awad-Ibrahim will be mentored by Natalie Ibu – Artistic Director of tiata fahodzi, director of good dog and RTYDS alumni and the production team for tiata fahodzi’s spring 2017 world premiere of good dog by Arinzé Kene.
Talking about the news Natalie Ibu said: “We pride ourselves in inspiring, identifying and nurturing up and coming creative talent, often giving the first professional production to under-represented African-heritage actors and writers. It’s a great privilege to partner with RTYDS in supporting Ajjaz in developing her craft and confidence as a theatre director.”
Meanwhile, Ajjaz Awad-Ibrahim commented: ” I can’t wait to get started on good dog. I’m looking forward to seeing how a monologue play is brought to life; I’ve never worked on one before so this will be a new learning experience. I’m also interested to see how a production is created so that it can tour and what this means from a directorial point of view. I feel very privileged to be given this opportunity to work with and learn from some very talented people from the industry.”
Many of the RTYDS alumni have enjoyed distinguished artistic careers in Britain’s theatre and film industry. Many of the alumni have gone to lead organisations of their own including Michael Boyd (former RSC), Vicky Featherstone (Royal Court), Rupert Goold (Almeida), Dominic Hill (Glasgow Citizens Theatre), Jeremy Herrin (Headlong) and Natalie Ibu (Tiata Fahodzi).