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My practice exists at the intersection of historical reclamation and contemporary sonic performance. As a multidisciplinary artist trained at the University of Ibadan and the University of Cambridge, my work is dedicated to the "Backpack Philosophy" creating lean, visceral theatre that carries the weight of the African diaspora’s archives through agile, touring-viable storytelling.
The Directorial Lens: A Performer's Evolution (DYCP 2025-26) Currently, my practice is undergoing a transformative expansion supported by Arts Council England’s Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP). Under the project title "Directorial Lens: A Performer's Evolution," I am transitioning from a performer-centric approach to a rigorous directorial methodology. This evolution is informed by high-level industry shadowing at Leeds Playhouse (Small Island), Oldham Coliseum (The Christmas Fair), and Manchester productions.
This period of growth is further anchored by a directorial mentorship with Dr. Lekan Balogun at the University of Leeds (School of Performance and Cultural Industries), focusing on the bridge between digital innovation and cultural performance.
Practical Application: ORIN ILU IJO (KalakutHER) The primary vehicle for this directorial evolution is the development of ORIN ILU IJO. This project is not merely a play; it is the result of my refined directorial lens applied to the 1977 Kalakuta Republic archives. By centering the "Queens" through a music-led, documentary theatre framework, I am applying my research into ensemble movement and sonic narrative to reclaim a vital piece of Afrobeat history for its 50th anniversary.
An Investable Vision Through the Bloom Programme and my pan-African experience in Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, I am scaling my practice to meet the demands of the UK’s national portfolio. I am building a directorial brand that is academically grounded, technically agile, and culturally urgent, ensuring that the erased voices of history are documented with the world-class excellence they deserve.
The Nexus of Archive and Performance
Oluwasegun Ogundipe | Artistic Director, Village Square Theatre
Initial script read-through with community volunteers (Nov 2, 2025). This session served as a primary research point to test how the rhythmic structures of Orin Ilu Ijo translate from page to voice.
Documenting the first draft: Capturing the performers' immediate responses to the text. These early annotations help refine the 'Directorial Lens' by identifying which movements and sounds feel most authentic to the ensemble.
Session with Dr. Lekan Balogun at the University of Leeds (School of Performance and Cultural Industries). The Performance Evolution in action. Researching the intersection of traditional Yoruba movement and contemporary script-work. This workshop provided the raw data used in developing the physical vocabulary of Orin Ilu Ijo.
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