Kwame Kwei-Armah Joins The Story Collective

The Story Collective, a Fifth Season-backed company, has added to its board director, writer, actor and artistic director Kwame Kwei-Armah.

Kwei-Armah is the artistic director for the Young Vic theater in London. Under his leadership, the theater has transferred four plays to London’s West End and two to Broadway, while another is being made into a motion picture.

Kwei-Armah was previously artistic director of Baltimore Center Stage and curated the World Festival of Black Arts and Culture in Senegal in 2010. As a playwright, his credits include Tree (created with Idris Elba), Elmina’s Kitchen, Fix Up and Statement of Regret at the National Theatre and West End. For New York’s Public Theatre he directed Twelfth Night, Detroit ’67 and Much Ado About Nothing. Kwame also produced The Olivier and Tony nominated Death of a Salesman on Broadway last season.

The artistic director is currently in post-production on his feature film directorial debut The Collaboration, based on the play he directed in both its debut London run at the Young Vic and its Broadway transfer.

Kwei-Armah said: “I am so excited to join this dynamic, brilliant and exciting company. The talent already part of its portfolio is beyond inspiring, and I hope to learn so, so much by being in close proximity to Damian, Simon and the team.”

Damian Keogh, CEO of The Story Collective, said: “We are incredibly excited and honored that Kwame has decided to join us. He is a brilliant and inspiring creative leader. His wealth of experience, unique talent and cultural status within the industry speaks for itself. The real thrill, though, is that Kwame is one of the most generous, kind and infectiously joyous people you are ever going to meet. On a personal level, I have really enjoyed our long walks getting to know each other (my step count is off the charts!), and I am hugely excited about the journey ahead together.”