Award-winning writer, director and choreographer, working across stage and screen. Lanre merges dialogue and movement to tell ground-breaking, socially engaged stories about our world.
A unique element of Lanre’s work stems from Rudolf Laban's movement psychology, enabling him to build dynamic and bold storytelling charged with truth.
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His stage production SAMSKARA (The Yard Theatre) had a sold-out run, earning 4-star reviews from The Guardian and The Stage, and securing a place in their Best Theatre of 2021. Published by Nick Hern Books, it marked his first published script and was nominated for the Alfred Fagon Award for Best New Play of the Year.
His solo show ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM (2019), commissioned by Camden People's Theatre, transferred to the Roundhouse and toured internationally, including performances in Barcelona and Utrecht.
His cinematic work includes THE CIRCLE, which achieved global recognition, screening at over 15 festivals worldwide including a world premiere at Sheffield Doc/Fest, and winning Best Dance Film at the Leeds International Film Festival. The film was later acquired by The Guardian in 2020.
Lanre received Best Director for his film THE CONVERSATION at the Soul Film Festival 2021 (supported by The British Blacklist & We Are Parable) and Best Dance Film at the BAFTA-recognized Aesthetica Film Festival. His short film DON’T WAIT, made in collaboration with actor Regé-Jean Page, is approaching half a million views on YouTube.
In 2024, his dance-theatre production NOW, I SEE premiered at Stratford East, receiving 4-star reviews from The Guardian and being listed among the Evening Standard’s Best Theatre Shows to See that year. In 2025, the production was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Production (Affiliate Theatre).
Lanre collaborates on selective projects as a Movement Director/Choreographer, including PASS OVER (Kiln Theatre), which was nominated for Best Choreographer at the Black British Theatre Awards, and DEAR MR. SHAKESPEARE (Sundance Film Festival, 2017). A trained actor (Drama Centre London), he has worked extensively across theatre, film and TV.
He is currently developing his first feature with BBC Film.
"Malaolu's a real talent..."
THE GUARDIAN
"One of the UK's most interesting creative minds..."
ALT AFRICA
SUPPORTED BY/COMMISSIONS INCLUDE:
BBC film, Arts Council England, Jerwood Arts, Sadler's Wells, British Council, Talawa, Barbican, Royal Court, The Old Vic, BFI.
