British African theatre company, tiata fahodzi, has announced its new home at the Grade II listed Watford Colosseum, which is currently undertaking a major refurbishment ahead of its reopening to the public.
Founded in 1997, tiata fahodzi celebrates and champions artists and creatives with an experience of what it is to be of British African-heritage in today’s Britain, telling contemporary stories in innovative and surprising ways.
The company is looking to develop partnerships and entice audiences, as well as creating new opportunities for Watford’s artists, delivering projects and working with locals from this exciting new hub for arts and culture.
Tiata fahodzi’s growing team is supported by Arts Council England funding, which will bring invaluable experience from across the creative industries to support its mission and growing ambitions.
Chinonyerem Odimba, artistic director/CEO of tiata fahodzi, said: “Securing this new home for tiata fahodzi in the iconic Watford Colosseum is a real moment of joy for us. Watford has a special place in the company’s history, and we’re excited about the many plans we’re making for future projects in Watford and nearby. We are grateful to Watford Borough Council and in particular CEO Donna Nolan and Mayor Peter Taylor for all their generosity in making this happen, and the continued support for tiata fahodzi as we celebrate our 25th Birthday.”
Peter Taylor, Elected Mayor of Watford, said: “I am delighted that tiata fahodzi will be based at the Colosseum, working even more closely with Watford Council. We all know that theatre companies have had a difficult couple of years. It is so important that we support this sector in the years ahead and I am really pleased that this successful and growing company will be based in the heart of our town centre.”
The move to Watford Colosseum coincides with tiata fahodzi’s Chinonyerem Odimba’s preparations for Black Love’s return to the stage, a show for which she recently won the award for Best Musical Theatre Bookwriting at Writers’ Guild Awards 2022.
The show explores sibling relationships through real-life stories, soul music and ancestral voices at the Kiln Theatre, London, following a successful tour with rave reviews.
Black Love opens at Kiln Theatre, from March 28 to April 23, and tickets are available to purchase here.
You can find out more about tiata fahodzi here or alternatively you can follow them on Instagram and Facebook @tiatafahodzi.
Photo credit: Bethany Peters
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