Natalie Ibu is Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive of Northern Stage. Previously Artistic Director of tiata fahodzi (Dec 2014- 2020), the only Black-led theatre company in the UK with a sole focus on new work, during her time there Natalie increased the company’s activity levels including seven productions in five years, revived tiata delights in a reimagined format as a talent development festival at Watford Palace Theatre, presented work during the summer festivals, brokered the company’s first international collaboration and opened up talent and career development pathways for African heritage individuals. For her Northern Stage debut, she directed Jim Cartwright’s Road and in 2022 was nominated for a UK Theatre Award for directing the UK and European premiere of Claudia Rankine’s The White Card.