Kumiko Mendl, a founding member of British East and South East Asian (BESEA) theatre company New Earth Theatre, is stepping from her role as artistic director of the company.
She will leave the position in 2024 after 11 years.
New Earth Theatre, in Deptford, London, was founded in 1995 by Mendl, David KS Tse, Tom Wu, Veronica Needa and Kwong Loke under the name Yellow Earth Theatre.
Since becoming the artistic director in 2011, Mendl has championed the work of British East and South East Asian artists and communities; spearheaded a rebranding to New Earth and established strong creative support systems for BESEA artistic and community networks.
Mendl said: “It has been an incredible privilege to have worked in what has been, an exhilarating, joyful and at times challenging space. But I have always felt secure in the knowledge that what we have created and achieved has been meaningful, necessary and true to purpose. We can and have made a difference to the stories that are being told and being heard on our stages and one of the greatest pleasures has been to witness the growth of our sector into a flourishing, confident and diverse one.
“I hold great hope and confidence in a bold and exciting future both for New Earth and our sector and look forward to seeing the next chapter unfold.”