The Young Vic Theatre has confirmed that Kwame Kwei-Armah will become the new Artistic Director in February 2018.
It has been confirmed that the award-winning director and playwright will be taking over the position from David Lan in February 2018.
Kwame Kwei-Armah is the outgoing Artistic Director of Baltimore Center Stage where he directed extensively. His other directing credits include New York’s Public Theater, Signature Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Birmingham Repertory Theatre. His production of One Night in Miami at the Donmar Warehouse was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best New Play.
Meanwhile, his work as playwright includes Statement of Regret (National Theatre) and Let There Be Love and Seize the Day (Tricycle Theatre). In 2012 he was awarded an OBE for Services to Drama.
Speaking of the news Kwame Kwei-Armah said: “To walk into the Young Vic is to come face to face with everything I love about theatre, so I am beyond humbled, if not a little scared. But to lead this magnificent theatre at this time in our nation’s history, after such a visionary as David, excites me beyond words. I can’t wait to get started.”
The director will succeed David Lan, who will be stepping down from the role after eighteen years in the role.
David Lan commented: “The choice the panel has made is inspired. I welcome it wholeheartedly and will do whatever I can to support Kwame in the early days as he finds his own distinctive way to keep the Young Vic one of the great producing theatres of this country and the world.”