The Orísun Story
An idea born out of frustration
Shereener was frustrated at the lack of roles for black actors. Tired of audition notices calling for the maid, the slave or the baby-mother. She ranted to other creatives about her desire for change; but she knew she had to do something. A chance meeting on the platform of an overground station one cold October morning presented a collaborator who fast became a friend, a brother; Seun Shote.
Their collective frustration gave birth to Orísun Productions; a theatre company that provides a platform for creatives from the African diaspora, with the specific aim of breaking down stereotypes.
Orísun want to produce theatre that challenges stereotypes, promotes diversity and encourages the telling of stories featuring actors from the diaspora that might not even have anything to do with skin colour.
Orísun Productions’ then co-artistic director Amanda Blake (L), the late Seun Shote (co-founder & Co-AD (C)) & shereener browne (R) pictured at the National theatre in October 2019.
“Something new, refreshing. A great performance and a fantastic vision.”
- Audience member -
Image: Kwame Lestrade
Why Orísun?
A Nigerian friend was given a specific brief; find a name that made the company’s connection to the African continent clear. Orísun leapt out. It chose us. The meaning (confirmed by Seun after speaking with his mother) comes from the Yoruba language and translates into the English as spring, fountain or source.
This is a fitting name for this theatre company given our professed aims. A name that demonstrates where we come from and shapes our creative vision.
Rachel Morris as Ama in Find Your Tribe, by Andy Rothery.
Image: Kwame Lestrade.
