The ‘Home from Home’ project aims to explore the legacies of pioneering British Nigerians in the UK and their impact on society. The project highlights and celebrates British Nigerian contributions to the cultural, political, educational, artistic, spiritual, and sporting life of Britain and London, in particular. In this interview we feature Mojisola Kareem, CEO and artistic director of Utopia Theatre.
Mojisola Kareem is an award-winning director and founder of Utopia Theatre, a leading African Theatre company based in Sheffield which stages contemporary productions nationally and internationally. Utopia Theatre operates as a charity and is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO).
Mojisola launched Utopia Theatre to empower and engage African communities, support emerging artists and inspire the next generation. Utopia Theatre also uses African theatre as part of storytelling in schools and communities, runs its own pioneering Youth Academy and hosts a series of community and creative events at its Creative Hub in Sheffield.
Formerly Staff Director at The National Theatre, Mojisola was also the recipient of a 2017 Opera Awards Foundation bursary, a founding member of Mosaic Opera Collective and a visiting director at British American Drama Academy and London South Bank University. Prior to founding Utopia Theatre, Mojisola was a successful human rights lawyer. She pursued her first love of theatre and performance by returning to university in her 40s.
What does “Home From Home” mean to you?
Having the opportunity to celebrate the culture and heritage of Nigeria collectively is hugely important. For me personally, I feel my role is to empower creatives to share powerful and compelling stories which inform and entertain audiences so they are equipped with a knowledge and understanding of what has gone before. Utopia Theatre often utilises dance, music and storytelling to make historical stories accessible through a contemporary lens.
We need to appreciate different viewpoints and make materials and stories available for future generations to learn and adapt. Arts and theatre is a place to break down barriers to sometimes challenging themes, making sure we educate and inspire as many people as possible.
I’m a firm believer that positive energy really does influence others. So my intention is to continually shout about Nigerian arts, culture and heritage – in whatever way I can do creatively with my brilliant team behind me. For me that speaks to the ‘home from home’ project too; it’s so important to spotlight individuals making a huge positive contribution as British Nigerians and I’m incredibly proud to be part of this fantastic community of people who do so much brilliant work every day in their respective industries.
How do you celebrate your Nigerian heritage?
In every way possible! Our Creative Hub has walls, ceilings and flooring adorned with artefacts, artwork, flags and vibrant colours. Every essence of Utopia Theatre is carefully considered to keep true to our Nigerian roots. That heritage is really being noticed in our communities, as providing a safe space for people to create and come together; while also welcoming lots of people through our doors who are learning about Nigerian culture for the first time.
We run a Youth Academy and will be launching a Homework Club soon, aimed at inspiring and educating the next generation; plus we have established a Community Ensemble for members of the Sheffield community to join us in productions and workshops. In recent months, we have welcomed esteemed Nigerian creatives and speakers to use our space as a platform too; further amplifying the power of Nigerian culture and heritage in the UK.
Utopia Theatre was established 11 years ago and to this day remains a Sheffield Theatres partner organisation, further enhancing the importance of our work in reaching bigger audiences. I firmly believe if you’re passionate about something, then it is possible to achieve anything with hard work and focus; and I hope that our journey so far inspires people to get involved in the arts – whether that’s a future career or a way of expressing themselves in their spare time.
I feel proud to have the opportunity to stage productions in theatres far and wide. Next year, in February 2025, we will be staging Death and the King’s Horseman. Written by Wole Soyinka, it’s the first time this Nigerian story will be told at Sheffield Theatres. We also have an upcoming UK tour of Anna Hibiscus’ Song, which I adapted for the stage from Atinuke’s much-loved children’s book and tells the uplifting story of “happiness” through puppetry, dancing, African drumming and singing. It’s suitable for all ages and I can’t wait to see it burst onto stages once again in summer and autumn 2024.
What does being “British Nigerian” mean to you?
I have a duty to uphold and advocate for the African community in Britain, giving people a voice when they may not feel able to and ensuring that we address representation across the arts: theatre, music, TV or film. My passion for theatre has opened up so many doors for me in Sheffield, Leeds, York, Edinburgh, London and various places in the UK. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had this opportunity and I’m keen for others to experience the same. I soak up culture wherever I go and my interpretations are likely visible in all of my work; intertwining my experiences here in the UK plays a huge part in that.
How do you stay connected to your identity?
By staying grounded and true to my spiritual feelings. I travel between England and Nigeria as much as I can, and I make sure that I keep connected with people and organisations which are important to me. My love of theatre means I watch a range of works and read various scripts and books throughout the year.
I am also encouraged to be working with emerging talent too, and this helps me to keep close to my identity because when I started Utopia Theatre, one of my ambitions was to co-produce work created by the next generation. We’re doing this now and it’s so exciting to see new ideas coming to life and I learn so much myself from these wonderful people that it really does help me stay attuned.
What does culture mean to you?
Culture to me means bringing a city, town or village to life with opportunities that connect people no matter what their background. Shared experiences. Memorable moments that transcend gender, race, age, sexuality and religion. This is true of the creatives producing as well as the audiences who are enjoying.
What do you imagine the future of the British Nigerian Community to look like in the next few years based on your industry?
The only way is up! Much has changed in the last few decades and this progress in the industry is pivotal. We are seeing far more role models in the arts industry of British Nigerian heritage. And I think this will continue; more equality and deeper understanding of how and why inclusiveness matters. Representation matters after all and that’s the only way to power up the arts for British Nigerians wanting to carve our careers in this industry.
Links to website/Social Media:
https://www.utopiatheatre.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/utopia_theatre/
https://twitter.com/Utopia_Theatre
https://www.linkedin.com/company/utopia-theatre-limited/?viewAsMember=true
