HighTide has announced the appointment of Titilola Dawudu as its new Artistic Director and CEO.
Dawudu will officially take up the role on Monday 16th June, bringing with her a wealth of experience in new writing and a strong commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices.
She most recently served as Associate Dramaturg at the Bush Theatre, where she led the Literary Department and played a pivotal role in developing new work and nurturing emerging talent.
“I’m excited to be stepping into this role at HighTide, an organisation deeply committed to new writing and regional storytelling,” said Dawudu. “I’m passionate about championing different voices, creating opportunities, and fostering spaces where artists and communities feel truly seen and heard. I look forward to collaborating with the brilliant team, local theatre, and communities across the East of England to make impactful, bold, and joyful work together!”
Alan Bookbinder, Chair of HighTide, added, “I’m delighted that Titilola has agreed to be HighTide’s next Artistic Director and CEO. She brings a wealth of experience working with new writers and unearthing new talent, especially in under-represented groups. Her dynamism and her creative energy, as well as her winning personality, will ensure an exciting step forward in HighTide’s mission to nurture the next generation of successful playwrights.”
Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director at Arts Council England, commented, “We are pleased to see Titilola Dawudu appointed as Artistic Director and CEO of HighTide. Titilola’s inspiring track record of creative leadership, community engagement, and advocacy for equity in the arts promises a bold and inclusive future for the company. We look forward to seeing her impact on HighTide, the East of England and beyond.”
Outgoing Artistic Director Clare Slater also shared her support: “I couldn’t be happier for writers across the East of England that Titilola will be the new Artistic Director of HighTide. She’s an exceptional supporter of playwrights. She’ll lead HighTide in making brilliant theatre with big impact across the region and beyond.”
Dawudu is a dramaturg, writer, and creative leader whose work spans artist and writer development, literary programming, and producing. She co-created and edited Hear Me Now: Audition Monologues for Actors of Colour, and her plays have been staged at venues including Theatre Peckham, Ovalhouse, and Soho Theatre.
Her dramaturgical credits include Shifters by Benedict Lombe, which transferred to the Duke of York’s Theatre in the West End following a sell-out run at the Bush Theatre.
She is also Interim Chair of Beyond Face and a trustee of the National Student Drama Festival and Theatre Centre.
More information can be found here
