ABOUT ROOTS MBILI THEATRE
In this section
WHO WE ARE | WHAT WE DO | VISION | CORE VALUES | TEAM | COLLABORATORS | PARTNER WITH US
Photo credit: Smart Banda
WHO WE ARE
Founded in 2021, Roots Mbili Theatre is a dynamic dramatic arts company specialising in cross-cultural collaborative practice.
The company is the brainchild of John Rwothomack, an actor, director, and writer supported by Digital Director, Smart Banda and Creative Producer, Sam Holland.
Under the moniker of John Rwomthomack they started collaborating in 2018 with the show Bad Blood Blues. The show explored western exploitation of African nations and people. These themes paved the way for our commitment to unflinching and honest theatre that doesn’t shy away from exposing the ugly societal truths while representing marginalised voices in this traditionally white dominated industry. They then worked together on Far Gone at Theatre Deli and it’s subsequent performances at Sheffield Theatres and the Kampala International Theatre Festival in Uganda.
These foundations have been crucial in realising our shared vision for Roots Mbili Theatre and the enormous potential of its impact on the global stage.
WHAT WE DO
Our work is primarily concerned with platforming stories from Africa and it’s diaspora in the UK, merging culturally distinct storytelling styles in order to create unique and challenging theatre which will have an enduring impact on audiences from both cultures and form creative pathways and exchanges for organisations in their respective countries.
We are committed to working with artists and organisations on innovative and inspiring project ideas and openly welcome proposals of partnership that correspond with the values of Roots Mbili Theatre. If you have an idea contact us here. (hyperlink to support and partner with RMT page)
We have experience delivering theatre and storytelling workshops to young people, vulnerable groups and marginalised communities. These workshops use artistic techniques to empower people to tell their own stories, learn collaborative skills and nurture creative communities.
VISION
Our vision is to establish a collaborative network between UK & EAST AFRICAN theatre industries. We will achieve this by:
Forging a network of theatremakers, artists and industry professionals specifically from the UK and East Africa, but also globally to collaborate on projects which merge traditional storytelling methods.
Building an education programme that guides and supports the makers of tomorrow.
Facilitating workshops in communities traditionally marginalised by the arts to improve access to the theatre and the arts.
EVERY STORY MATTERS, EVERY STORY MUST BE HEARD
CORE VALUES
We believe in the power of expression and the right of all people from all backgrounds to be given a stage to represent their culture, their identity, their message.
Theatre and art has the power to enact social change. We believe in creating work that stays with audiences long after they have left the theatre, that alters their preconceptions and moves them into positive action.
Artists should create work beyond their comfort zone, working with practitioners from vastly different walks of life, contrasting artistic practices and belief systems contrary to our own, as well as devising collaborative and bold work that takes risks and challenges the status quo.
TEAM
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John Rwothomack
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
John is a Ugandan born, London trained, and Sheffield bred and based actor, director and writer. As an artist, John aims to bring African stories, culture, and history to the canvas of theatre.
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Smart Banda
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Smart is a digital director with over seven years of experience in the creative industry. He specialises in managing digital campaigns and platforms.
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Sam Holland
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Sam is a Sheffield based freelance theatre producer and festival director. He has run the UK’s largest Refugee Week festival, Migration Matters Festival in Sheffield since 2016.
COLLABORATORS
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Mojisola Elufowoju
UTOPIA THEATRE
Moji Elufowoju is an award-winning director and founder of Utopia Theatre.
She creates work that raises awareness and increases appreciation of African culture by commissioning new writing and presenting established classics within a strong African context.
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Paul Sirett
DRAMATURG
Paul is a dramaturg, playwright and musician.
Paul has worked as a dramaturg for numerous companies including the Ambassador Theatre Group, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and Soho Theatre Company. Paul recently adapted The Who’s TOMMY for d/Deaf and disabled actors (Ramps on the Moon, UK Tour, 2017).
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Tchiyiwe Chihana
OPUS
Tchiyiwe Chihana is Audience Development Lead of Migration Matters Festival and served as Associate Producer for Page Hall Festival. She serves on the Board of Trustees of World Bicycle Relief, World Basic Income and in the interim Board of Burngreave Messenger.
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Kevin Jenkins
Kevin has been designing for theatre for 14 years after training on the Motley Theatre Design Course.
He has designed for Alan Ayckbourn in both Scarborough and New York. He is designing Seasons Greetings and Birthdays Past, Birthday Present for the SJT 2019 season.
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Will Monks
LIGHTING ENGINEER
Will trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Recent credits include: My Name Is Rachel Corrie (Theatre Deli, Sheffield), Ali & Dahlia (Pleasance London; nominated for Best Video Designer: Offie Award), Jericho’s Rose (Hope Theatre)
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Lee Affen
MUSICAL COMPOSER
Lee is a multi-instrumentalist composer, music producer and sound designer from Manchester, now based in Sheffield.
Lee’s recent work includes composition and sound design for the Cardboard Citizens show Who Are Yer?
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Gomolemo NYAKALE
FILM MAKER
Gomolemo is a South African born film-maker based in Leeds.
Gomolemo trained at the Northern Film School, making work for theatre, music, animation and graphic design.
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Lilac Yosiphon
ACTOR/DIRECTOR
Lilac Yosiphon is a theatre director, writer, and movement designer.
She is the artistic director of Althea Theatre and is endorsed by Arts Council England as a promising Exceptional Talent in the UK.
SUPPORT US
Roots Mbili Theatre is an ambitious and vibrant company, making powerful work with modest means.
To make this work happen we require as much support from individuals and organisations who believe in our vision and message and want to help us reach more people and create more work.
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We are always on the lookout for creative partners, artists and organisations who want to work with us on any of our projects or have an idea that you would like to collaborate with Roots Mbili Theatre.
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You can support us simply through donating to our Paypal here. This money will go directly towards funding the time it takes to build our resources for participation and facilitation work in communities or towards our production costs.
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