Decolonial Futures

Professor Taiwo Afolabi uses theatre to imagine alternative futures and spark political change. In this episode, the Nigerian-Canadian artist, scholar, and educator shares his boundary-pushing methods for staging performances with communities worldwide. He also discusses his research into misguided fears about cultural appropriation, and why he believes decolonial work should start with deep listening.

He is the Director of the Centre for Socially Engaged Theatre at the University of Regina, Canada, and founding artistic director of Theatre Emissary International, Nigeria. He joined the podcast during his recent visit to Melbourne as the 2026 Miegunyah Distinguished Visiting Fellow.

Show Notes:
Professor Taiwo Afolabi’s staff profile at the University of Regina
The History, Memory and Decolonial Futures Research Collective website

Welcome to Decolonial Futures, a new podcast about the artists, writers, and researchers challenging colonial power structures. In each episode, Professor Ana Eclair and Associate Professor Kate McGregor speak to a different guest about how their creative practice confronts the lingering effects of colonialism around the world.

This podcast is produced by The History, Memory and Decolonial Futures Research Collective (from The Faculty of Arts, The University of Melbourne). Find out more about the collective here.