Lanre Malaolu is an award-winning writer, director, and choreographer whose work spans across both stage and screen, merging movement with dialogue to craft bold, socially engaged narratives. His unique approach to storytelling is deeply influenced by Rudolf Laban’s movement psychology, a technique that enables Lanre to infuse his productions with dynamic energy, deep emotional resonance, and truth. His work stands out for its ability to address pressing societal issues through a combination of movement, spoken word, and compelling character-driven stories.
One of Lanre’s most significant achievements in theatre was the production of SAMSKARA, a powerful stage play that had a sold-out run at The Yard Theatre. The play earned rave reviews, with The Guardian and The Stage both awarding it 4-star ratings and listing it among the best theatre productions of 2021. SAMSKARA also marked a milestone in Lanre’s career as it was his first published script, released by Nick Hern Books. The production’s success was further highlighted by its nomination for the Alfred Fagon Award for Best New Play of the Year, solidifying Lanre’s place as a rising star in contemporary theatre.
In addition to his stage work, Lanre’s solo show ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM has made a notable impact. Commissioned by the Camden People’s Theatre in 2019, the show transferred to the Roundhouse and toured internationally, with performances in Barcelona and Utrecht. This solo performance, which delves into themes of identity and societal pressure, helped establish Lanre as a versatile creator, adept at blending physical movement with deeply personal narratives.
Lanre has also made significant strides in cinema with his film THE CIRCLE, which gained global recognition, screening at over 15 film festivals worldwide, including a world premiere at Sheffield Doc/Fest. The film won the Best Dance Film award at the Leeds International Film Festival and was later acquired by The Guardian in 2020. His cinematic prowess continued to be recognized with THE CONVERSATION, a film that earned him the Best Director award at the Soul Film Festival in 2021, as well as a Best Dance Film award at the BAFTA-recognized Aesthetica Film Festival.
In addition to his work as a director and writer, Lanre is also a highly skilled movement director and choreographer. His notable credits include PASS OVER at the Kiln Theatre, which earned him a nomination for Best Choreographer at the Black British Theatre Awards, and DEAR MR. SHAKESPEARE, a film showcased at the Sundance Film Festival in 2017. Lanre’s expertise in movement extends beyond choreography, allowing him to contribute to a range of projects with a keen eye for physical storytelling and emotional depth.
A trained actor from Drama Centre London, Lanre’s versatile skills have allowed him to work across theatre, film, and television, continuously pushing the boundaries of how stories can be told through movement. His commitment to creating thought-provoking work that engages with social issues has made him one of the most exciting and innovative artists in the UK today.
