Vanessa Jev
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Vanessa Jev is a theatre director, writer and creative producer based in Lagos, Nigeria. She is currently Festival Director at the Lagos International Theatre Festival.
Vanessa began her theatre career in Toronto, initially as a performer, before creating her own productions in response to the limited opportunities available to Black actors. Her early work included Cind-Ah-Rella, an African reimagining of Cinderella that she wrote, directed and produced at the University of Toronto, creating a stage populated by Black performers and African cultural references. The Varsity described the original production as a sell-out.
During postgraduate study in African Studies, Vanessa undertook a research placement at Lagos arts centre Terra Kulture. The intended three-month visit led to a permanent move and a new chapter in Nigeria’s theatre industry. She is now Festival Director of the Lagos International Theatre Festival, where she works with Nigerian and international companies to present theatre, dance, workshops and professional development opportunities for emerging artists.
In episode 32 of the Destination Unlocked podcast, Vanessa shares her adopted city, focusing on the arts scene, which she has become engrossed with since moving to Lagos.
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