This is part of Afridiziak Theatre News’ series of interviews with Artistic Directors who are of African-Caribbean origin.
Dance Umbrella is London’s annual international contemporary dance festival.
Freddie became Artistic Director in 2021 and is only the fourth person to hold this position in 45 years and the first black artist to hold the post. Freddie has turned the programming on its head, championing emerging and diverse talent as he seeks to widen the cannon of dance and platform for the next wave of choreographers.
Freddie Opoku-Addaie said “In 2023, Dance Umbrella celebrates 45 years in motion. This year the programme showcases the very best of hip-hop culture, performance art, audio-visual experiences and operetta from artists originating from Cameroon, Greece, South Africa, Taiwan and Croydon. The breadth of work in the programme is astounding. Along with our funders and presenting partners we are proud to make excellence affordable with a range of ticket prices, as well as free, and pay-what-you-can events across London and online. It’s a privilege to be able to introduce audiences to some of the most inquisitive, boundary-pushing dance artists from around the globe.”
