Lisa Goldman, the Artistic Director and joint Chief Executive of Soho theatre, is to leave her post in June 2010 to “pursue other opportunities”.
Goldman, who was previously co-founder and Artistic Director of new writing company The Red Room, will have spent four years at the helm of the venue when she steps down next summer. During this time her achievements have included directing the Meyer-Whitworth and George Devine Award-winning Baghdad Wedding, developing Oladipo Agboluaje’s Alfred Fagon Award-winning Iya Ille, and staging the work of contemporary playwrights including Dennis Kelly, Anthony Neilson, Chloe Moss, Roy Williams, Tanika Gupta, In-Sook Chappell and Natasha Langridge.
Commenting on her decision, Goldman said: “I feel privileged to have led Soho theatre through an amazing time of change and to have worked with many of the most original and daring writers, actors, artists and companies working in the UK today. I have loved every minute of these creative collaborations and the extended Soho family we have forged together. I am particularly proud to have developed a strong London identity for Soho theatre in terms of our programme and audience, both of which have reflected our remarkable intercultural city.”
Soho theatre’s Chairman, Nick Allott, added: “Lisa has made a vitally important contribution to Soho at a key stage in its history, ensuring that the theatre continues to punch above its weight.”
Goldman’s final production as the venue’s Artistic Director will be Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti’s Behud, which will play at Soho in April following a March premiere in Coventry.
Soho theatre’s board will begin the process of recruiting a new Artistic Director in the new year.
MA