Hundreds of people celebrate the opening of Utopia Theater’s new UK creative hub, Black Theater Matters

More than 130 people attended the grand opening of a vibrant new creative hub in Sheffield, England, which can expand participation in the city’s arts and culture.

The Utopia Theater Creative Center on Rockingham Gate in the city center officially opened last night (Thursday, September 21) with a spread of African and Caribbean dance and song performances, a panel discussion and a presentation of African art. Kayefi, a recording artist who creates a novel genre of music combining African melody, performed during the celebratory event. Also in attendance were local artists Nicole-Rose and Chim’Di, whose works could be seen in the new space.

The Utopia Theater Creative Center is the vision of Mojisola Kareem-Elufowoju, general director and artistic director of the Utopia Theater, who saw the have to create a middle for creative professionals, in addition to an inspiring and friendly place where more people can study theater and art.

Kareem-Elufowoju said: “Being capable of express yourself through theater, whether it’s acting, singing or dancing, helps increase self-confidence and construct social connections. Our Utopia Theater Creative Center is a protected and inclusive space that gives people of all ages and backgrounds with reasonably priced opportunities to learn new things in a supportive environment. Thanks to our workshops and classes, they may have a good time and acquire new skills. We will help people find their voice and speak out on issues that affect them and their communities.

“Creative professionals will also use this space as a laboratory and platform to rehearse and create great work – we are here to help develop their careers. Our Youth Academy, regular dance classes for adults and much more will also be held there. I would like to thank everyone for attending our event yesterday, and also a huge thank you to our funders and supporters for making this possible, as this is a huge step on our journey. We are very excited to open our doors – having artistic and cultural opportunities available to more people is essential to raising aspirations.”

Sonia Gayle, Chair of the African Heritage Cultural Forum, spoke at the opening event. She added: “Mojisola and the team at Utopia Theater are to be congratulated – in the city of Sheffield we now have a creative hub and an immersive performance space that enables more people to experience authentic stories of African heritage, culture and history. Theater can be an effective tool for social cohesion, and Utopia Theater workshops will help break down barriers. On behalf of the Forum, I wish them every success.”

The event also honored the tenth anniversary of the Utopia Theater, which stages contemporary performances in Poland and abroad. Utopia Theater is a charity that goals to empower and interact African communities, support emerging artists and encourage the next generations. During its operation, the Utopia Theater established contact with over 35,000 viewers and staged over 20 unique performances.

Vibrant patterns and artwork adorn the floors and partitions of the new space, which was designed by local artist Jack Poole to encourage collaboration amongst all visitors. At the front of the Creative Center is a gallery where artists can display their work; helping them reach new audiences in a continuously visited area of ​​the city.

About the Utopia Theater

Utopia Theater is an African theater company based in Sheffield, presenting contemporary productions nationally and internationally. Founded by CEO and Artistic Director Mojisola Kareem-Elufowoju in 2012, the charity goals to empower and interact African communities, support emerging artists and encourage the next generation. Utopia Theater also uses African theater for storytelling in schools and communities and hosts digital theater.

Utopia Theater is a National Portfolio Organization and receives funding from Arts Council England. The charity can also be supported by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and Sheffield City Council. Utopia Theater stays Sheffield Theaters’ resident theater company and can retain its base at The Crucible as this relationship continues to be crucial to the development of the organization and its shows.

More details about the Utopia Theater and screenings available to the public could be found at: www.utopiatheater.co.uk or visit the organization’s social media channels.