Natalie Ibu is Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive of Northern Stage. Natalie’s vision is to make Northern Stage a building informed and transformed by the region so that theatre is an essential part of everyone’s lives, making vital pieces of culture for the Northeast of today and tomorrow. She is currently in pre-production for the world premiere of Sarah Gordon’s Underdog: the Other Other Brontë (2024) for the National Theatre and Northern Stage. For Northern Stage she has directed the world premiere of Hannah Lavery’s Protest (2023), the UK premiere of Claudia Rankine’s The White Card (2022, nominated for Best Director, UK Theatre Awards) and Jim Cartwright’s Road (2021). Previously Natalie was Artistic Director of tiata fahodzi(2014- 2020), the only Black-led theatre company in the UK with a sole focus on new work. For tiata fahodzi, Natalie’s directing credits include I Know All The Secrets In My World, Charlene James’ Bricks and Pieces and Arinzé Kene’s Good Dog. Previously she was the Creative Producer for In Good Company, launching the regional artist development programme in the East Midlands for Derby Theatre, Embrace Arts Leicester and Create Mansfield. Previous roles include Programme Manager at the Roundhouse, Creative Producer for Only Connect, Associate Director (Warehouse) for HighTide Festival Productions. Training includes: resident Assistant Director at the Royal Court in 2008-9, assistant roles at Hampstead Theatre, Citizens Theatre, New Perspectives.