Madani Younis is to become the new Artistic Director of West London’s Bush theatre following the departure of Josie Rourke.
Younis, who takes over the role on 1 January 2012, is already well known to the Bush in his current guise as Artistic Director of Bradford’s Freedom Studios, a company which, for the past two years, has collaborated with the Bush theatre on its innovative online writing facility, bushgreen.org. Last year Freedom Studios enjoyed a two-week tenure at the Shepherd’s Bush venue.
Younis joins the Bush at an exciting time. Following several decades as a pub theatre, which in recent years has been at the mercy of numerous technical problems, the company is moving this autumn into a new permanent home in the Old Library on Uxbridge Road. Its first major production in the new space is Sixty Six Books, an epic performance cycle based around the King James Bible. Next year the Bush celebrates its 40th birthday.
“I am delighted and honoured to be joining the Bush Theatre at this significant time in its history,” commented Younis. “During the past two years, through my work at Freedom Studios, I have had the privilege to build a strong working relationship with the Bush in supporting the development of new writers, and I look forward to continuing that work, and building the company’s future in its new home.”
Rourke, who leaves the Bush after four years to replace Michael Grandage as Artistic Director at the Donmar Warehouse, said: “This is a deeply inspiring appointment at a big moment in the Bush’s history. I have been delighted with the Bush’s collaborations with Madani and Freedom Studios over the past two years. It’s wonderful to know that in its 40th year, and its new home, the Bush will receive such brilliant leadership.”
CB