Talawa Theatre Company has announced the appointment of six new trustees as it celebrates 40 years of championing Black British theatre.
Joining the organisation are Kojo Apeagyei, Dr Manmit Bhambra, Anoushka Chakrapani, Nathan Gaël York, Ese Overo-Tarimo and Debbie Williams, who will help shape Talawa’s future as it enters its fifth decade.
The new trustees join a board chaired by Shonagh Alice Reid and bring experience across technology, accessibility, communications, marketing, governance and the arts.
Kojo Apeagyei is a leading AI strategist with expertise in responsible technology innovation, while access and inclusion specialist Dr Manmit Bhambra brings extensive knowledge of equity and representation.
Producer and communications specialist Anoushka Chakrapani is a passionate advocate for greater representation on stage, while award-winning theatre director and writer Nathan Gaël York brings experience in marketing, audience development and nurturing emerging talent.
Lawyer Ese Overo-Tarimo joins with legal expertise to support the company’s continued growth, while Debbie Williams brings a strong focus on effective governance and long-term sustainability.
The appointments build on the legacy established by Talawa’s founders Yvonne Brewster OBE, Mona Hammond OBE, Carmen Munroe DBE and Inigo Espejel, who founded the company in 1986 to address the lack of opportunities for Black actors on British stages.
Joint Talawa CEOs Carolyn ML Forsyth and Michael Buffong said, “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 added, “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.”
As it marks its 40th anniversary, Talawa continues its mission to diversify the theatre industry, champion Black creative talent and create opportunities for future generations of artists.
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