In Conversation with David Greig and John Rwothomack

Tuesday 6th October 2026

Two leading theatre-makers come together at Sheffield Theatres for a conversation about storytelling, creative practice and the place of African histories and cultures on British stages.

Acclaimed playwright and theatre director David Greig joins John Rwothomack, Artistic Director of Roots Mbili Theatre, for this special event presented as part of Sheffield Theatres’ Open Works Festival.

Greig has created an extensive body of work across British theatre, while Rwothomack’s work with Roots Mbili Theatre places African storytelling, culture and history at the forefront.

Roots Mbili’s productions include Far Gone, Kubulaya – Away from Home and Lines, with the company developing a distinctive approach to presenting African stories to contemporary British audiences.

The conversation comes at an exciting moment for Roots Mbili, which is also presenting Seven Magic Birds: An African Panto during the Open Works Festival.

Together, Greig and Rwothomack offer two distinctive perspectives on creating theatre, developing new work and ensuring that different histories and cultural traditions have space on major British stages.

For audiences interested in African theatre, directing, play

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