To reflect the society we live in when creating theatre, we should proactively seek diversity in all areas: age, race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, social status etc, not just to tick a box, but to improve the quality of the work and reach wider audiences.
For a really long time, I longed for someone to represent me, my experiences and what I cared about until I concluded that I was the only one who could represent and speak about all of those things truthfully.
My journey as a Nigerian-British woman in the world of classical music has often felt like a lonely one. It often feels like a rarified space with closed doors and no available seats at the table. Just like the road, I’m building my door, and I am building my own table.
I will continue to infiltrate traditional parenting spaces until stepmothers are fully acknowledged - not as an afterthought, but as an integral part of expos, seminars, and events centred around parenting. This is what makes me a Disruptor.
No matter what you’ve been through or are currently facing, remember that you can release its hold on you. Finding self-love is a beautiful journey. By forgiving yourself and others, you’ll feel lighter.
I was in an abusive relationship. It took two years of my life. It took another two for me to realise it was abusive.
Being mixed race is incredibly conflicting. You don’t fit into either camp; you’re not black enough to be black, not white enough to be white, and it’s how others perceive you that really leaves a mark.
My life was turned upside down and everything I cherished I lost. Everything an 8-year-old girl should have had was taken away from me – no phones, no friends, no school, and most importantly, no freedom.
I am a woman in her 50s of Indian nationality and Persian ancestry and I constantly have to battle the trifecta of ageism, sexism and racism in this industry. I can do much more than just be your mother. I can be a doctor or a lawyer or a villain - I would make a great villain by the way.