Kwei-Armah started out as an actor before achieving acclaim as a playwright and director.
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Kwame Kwei-Armah is stepping down as artistic director for the prestigious Southbank theatre after being appointed in 2018.
The 56-year-old worked in theatre and screen acting before becoming a playwright and director. He took over the role from David Lan, and produced over 40 plays during his employment. Mr Kwei-Armah has been an advocate for increasing diversity within the industry and for protecting the arts during the pandemic. Under his leadership, the Young Vic has gone from 11% to 44% Black and BAME staff across the organisation and 40% in senior management.
Announcing his resignation, Kwei-Armah said “It’s been the honour of a lifetime to lead the Young Vic and I have been served magnificently by the team at the Arts Council, the Board and all of my colleagues. I step down knowing that our team and artists are representative of London and that we have continued the theatre’s incredible contribution to this industry and our community.”
Glenn Earle, Chair of the Board, said: “It has been one of the great pleasures of my professional life to work closely with the phenomenon that is Kwame Kwei-Armah. He has brought his energy, creativity,
artistic brilliance, generosity of spirit and sense of social responsibility to the role of Artistic Director of the Young Vic over the last six years.”
Kwei-Armah will remain in the role for the next theatre season and officially step down in autumn 2024. His replacement has not yet been announced.
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HeadlinePlaywright Kwame Kwei-Armah stepping down as Young Vic artistic director
Short HeadlineYoung Vic artistic director stepping down
StandfirstThe first Black director of a major London theatre is leaving the role after 6 years.
Kwame Kwei-Armah is stepping down as artistic director for the prestigious Southbank theatre after being appointed in 2018.
The 56-year-old worked in theatre and screen acting before becoming a playwright and director. He took over the role from David Lan, and produced over 40 plays during his employment. Mr Kwei-Armah has been an advocate for increasing diversity within the industry and for protecting the arts during the pandemic. Under his leadership, the Young Vic has gone from 11% to 44% Black and BAME staff across the organisation and 40% in senior management.
Announcing his resignation, Kwei-Armah said “It’s been the honour of a lifetime to lead the Young Vic and I have been served magnificently by the team at the Arts Council, the Board and all of my colleagues. I step down knowing that our team and artists are representative of London and that we have continued the theatre’s incredible contribution to this industry and our community.”
Glenn Earle, Chair of the Board, said: “It has been one of the great pleasures of my professional life to work closely with the phenomenon that is Kwame Kwei-Armah. He has brought his energy, creativity,
artistic brilliance, generosity of spirit and sense of social responsibility to the role of Artistic Director of the Young Vic over the last six years.”
Kwei-Armah will remain in the role for the next theatre season and officially step down in autumn 2024. His replacement has not yet been announced.
