Chinonyerem Odimba

Chinonyerem is the new Artistic Director and Chief Executive of tiata fahodzi.

Her play UNKNOWN RIVERS premiered at Hampstead Theatre Downstairs in October 2019, directed by Daniel Bailey with critics describing the show as “a poetic voyage of discovery” (The Times) and Chinonyerem as “a writer to watch” (The Guardian). 

Chinonyerem recently worked on a project called MY BEST FRIEND MARRIED A WARRIOR which aired on BBC iPlayer as part of a collection of monologues. She was selected for 4Stories On The Edge series with Blacklight Television and Channel 4. Her 30 mins film ADULTING broadcast on Channel 4.

She is also currently under commission with the Royal Exchange Manchester and Paines Plough and is currently working on attachment at the National Theatre.

Her adaptation of THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER was the 2019 Christmas show at the Watermill Theatre.

Chinonyerem has written an episode as part of the BBC Radio 4 play series entitled IT IS YOUR COUNTRY NOW TOO, EVE which aired in December 2019.

Chinonyerem’s play PRINCESS & THE HUSTLER, as part of the Revolution Mix project with Eclipse Theatre and the Bristol Old Vic, opened in early 2019 to strong reviews followed by a UK tour. ★★★★ The Observer ★★★★ The Stage

Theatre

HOW TO WALK ON THE MOON
2018 – Talawa Theatre in association with the Channel 4 Playwrights’ Scheme. Awarded the Sonia Friedman Productions Award.

THE SWEETNESS OF A STING
Commissioned as part of the National Theatre’s Connections programme.

TWIST
2017 – a modern adaptation of Oliver Twist, for Theatre Centre, which toured across the UK in autumn 2017, and MEDEA for the Bristol Old Vic.

AMONGST THE REEDS
2016 – commissioned by Clean Break, opened at The Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh Festival 2016, followed by a run at The Yard Theatre, London in September 2016.

WILD IS DE WIND
2015 – shortlisted for the 2015 Bruntwood Prize

PARADISE STREET
As part of NW6 – an invite only group of writers working on a seed commission with the Tricycle Theatre

JOANNE
As a Writer on Attachment at Clean Break Theatre, London, Chino wrote a 10 minute monologue as part of a series of monologues with Laura Lomas, Deborah Bruce, Theresa Ikoko and Ursula Rani Sarma. JOANNE was produced for the Latitude Festival and Soho Theatre, performed by Tanya Moodie.

THROUGH WATER AND STARS
Royal Court / directed by Lucy Morrison.

THE BIRD WOMAN OF LEWISHAM
Short play produced as part of the Story Project 2015 and performed at the Arcola Theatre

HIS NAME IS ISHMAEL
Commissioned when Chinonyerem was a writer on attachment at the Bristol Old Vic.

Screen

SCOTCH BONNET
BBC for THE BREAK – a series of short films.

Radio

IT IS YOUR COUNTRY NOW TOO, EVE
BBC Radio 4

Chinonyerem has previously been shortlisted for the Alfred Fagon Award and the Adrienne Benham Award, and she has collaborated on a variety of workshops, showcases and festivals.