Okwui Okpokwasili is a renowned Nigerian-American artist, performer, choreographer, and writer. She is celebrated for her multidisciplinary performances that blend theatre, dance, and installation art. Okpokwasili’s work often explores themes of cultural and historical memory, particularly focusing on the experiences of African and African American women.
Okwui Okpokwasili Biographical Information
| Full Name | Okwui Okpokwasili |
| Place Of Birth | The Bronx, New York, USA |
| HomeTown | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Date Of Birth | August 6, 1972 |
| Age | 52 years (as of 2024) |
| Profession | Artist, Performer, Choreographer, Writer |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Nationality | Nigerian-American |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
Okwui Okpokwasili Education
| Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree |
| College/University | Yale University |
| High School | Not publicly disclosed |
Okwui Okpokwasili Personal and Professional Challenges
Okwui Okpokwasili has faced numerous challenges throughout her career, including navigating the complexities of being a woman of color in the arts. Her work often delves into personal and collective traumas, making her performances both emotionally intense and cathartic. Professionally, she has had to carve out a space for her unique voice in the competitive world of experimental dance and theatre.
Okwui Okpokwasili Physical Attributes
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (approx.) |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Eye Colour | Brown |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Skin Tone | Dark |
| Notable Physical Attributes | Known for her expressive physicality and commanding stage presence |
Okwui Okpokwasili Net Worth
Current Estimated Net Worth
As of 2024, Okwui Okpokwasili’s estimated net worth is approximately $1 million.
Main Sources of Income
- Performances and Choreography: Okwui earns a significant portion of her income from her performances and choreography work. Her unique and impactful performances have garnered critical acclaim and audience appreciation, contributing to her financial success.
- Writing: She has also made a name for herself as a writer, with her works often exploring deep cultural and historical themes. This aspect of her career adds to her overall earnings.
- Teaching and Workshops: Okwui is involved in teaching and conducting workshops. She has served as a visiting assistant professor at Brown University and has led various workshops, which provide additional income streams.
- Film and Television Appearances: Okwui has appeared in films such as “Madeline’s Madeline” and “Exorcist: Believer,” which contribute to her net worth through acting fees and royalties.
- Grants and Fellowships: She has received several prestigious grants and fellowships, including the MacArthur Fellowship, which not only recognize her contributions to the arts but also provide financial support.
Financial Growth Over the Years
Okwui’s net worth has seen a steady increase over the years, thanks to her consistent work and recognition in the arts community. Her innovative approach and dedication to her craft have opened up various opportunities, allowing her to build a stable financial foundation.
Investments and Assets
While specific details about her investments and assets are not publicly disclosed, it is likely that Okwui has made prudent financial decisions to manage her wealth effectively. Her involvement in multiple facets of the arts suggests a diversified portfolio of income sources.
Future Prospects
Given her ongoing contributions to the arts and her ability to continuously innovate, Okwui Okpokwasili’s net worth is expected to grow in the coming years. Her influence and recognition in the field are likely to open up new opportunities for collaborations, performances, and other ventures.
Okwui Okpokwasili Career
Early Career
Okwui Okpokwasili began her career in the vibrant New York experimental dance scene. Her early work was characterized by a unique blend of dance, theatre, and performance art, which quickly set her apart as a distinctive voice in the arts community.
Breakthrough Performances
Okwui’s breakthrough came with her one-woman show, “Bronx Gothic”. This performance, which premiered in 2014, was a deeply personal exploration of the experiences of African American women. It received widespread acclaim for its raw emotional power and innovative use of movement and narrative.
Collaborations
Okwui has collaborated with several prominent artists and choreographers, including:
- Ralph Lemon: Worked on projects like “How Can You Stay in the House All Day and Not Go Anywhere?”
- Peter Born: Her husband and frequent collaborator, who has directed and designed many of her performances.
- Julie Taymor: Collaborated on the Broadway production of “The Lion King.”
Notable Works
- Pent-Up: A Revenge Dance (2009): This performance explored themes of trauma and resilience, earning her a Performance Bessie Award.
- Bronx Gothic (2014): A critically acclaimed one-woman show that was later adapted into a documentary.
- Poor People’s TV Room (2017): A performance that delved into the history of Nigerian women’s resistance movements.
Film and Television
Okwui has also made her mark in film and television, with notable appearances in:
- Madeline’s Madeline (2018): Played the role of KK, a mentor to the protagonist.
- Exorcist: Believer (2023): Featured in a significant role, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Teaching and Workshops
Okwui is committed to education and has served as a visiting assistant professor at Brown University. She regularly conducts workshops and masterclasses, sharing her expertise with the next generation of performers.
Awards and Recognition
Okwui’s contributions to the arts have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including:
- New York Dance Award (2010): For “Pent-Up: A Revenge Dance.”
- Performance Bessie Award (2009): For “Pent-Up: A Revenge Dance.”
- MacArthur Fellowship (2018): Often referred to as the “Genius Grant,” this award recognized her innovative work in performance art.
Movies And Shows List
| Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Madeline’s Madeline | 2018 | KK |
| Exorcist: Believer | 2023 | Not disclosed |
Current Activities
Okwui continues to push the boundaries of performance art. She is involved in various new projects and collaborations, constantly exploring new ways to tell stories and engage with audiences.
Additional Ventures
Beyond her performances, Okwui is also involved in community arts projects and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in the arts. She is a vocal advocate for the representation of African and African American experiences in mainstream media and the arts.
Okwui Okpokwasili Awards and Nominations
| Award | Year | Work | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Dance Award | 2010 | Pent Up: A Revenge Dance | Outstanding Production | Won |
| Performance Bessie Award | 2009 | Pent Up: A Revenge Dance | Outstanding Production | Won |
| Foundation for Contemporary Arts | 2014 | General Work | Artist Grant in Dance | Won |
| LMCC’s Extended Life Program | 2013-2016 | General Work | Residency | Awarded |
| LMCC’s Extended Life Program | 2019 | General Work | Residency | Awarded |
| Princeton University Hodder Fellow | 2018 | General Work | Fellowship | Awarded |
| Herb Alpert Award in Dance | 2018 | General Work | Award | Won |
| Doris Duke Artist Award | 2018 | General Work | Award | Won |
| MacArthur Fellowship | 2018 | General Work | Fellowship | Awarded |
| USA Artist Fellow | 2018 | General Work | Fellowship | Awarded |
| Antonyo Award | 2018 | General Work | Award | Won |
Okwui Okpokwasili Family
Background and Personal Life
Okwui Okpokwasili was born to Igbo Nigerian immigrants who moved to the United States to escape the Nigerian Civil War. Her upbringing in a culturally rich and diverse environment has significantly influenced her work, which often explores themes of identity, memory, and the African diaspora.
Parents
Okwui’s parents have played a crucial role in shaping her artistic vision. They instilled in her a deep appreciation for her Nigerian heritage and the importance of storytelling and cultural expression.
Siblings
Details about Okwui’s siblings are not publicly disclosed. However, it is known that her family has been supportive of her artistic endeavors.
Husband
Okwui Okpokwasili is married to Peter Born, a director and designer. Peter frequently collaborates with Okwui on her projects, contributing to the lighting, staging, and overall design of her performances. Their professional partnership has been a significant aspect of Okwui’s career, allowing her to bring her unique artistic visions to life.
Children
There is no publicly available information about Okwui and Peter having children. They have kept their personal life relatively private, focusing on their collaborative work in the arts.
Extended Family
Okwui’s extended family, including her relatives in Nigeria, has also influenced her work. Her performances often draw on stories and experiences from her family’s history, adding depth and authenticity to her artistic expression.
Family Influence on Work
The support and cultural heritage of Okwui’s family have been instrumental in her career. Her parents’ experiences as immigrants and the stories of her ancestors have provided rich material for her performances. This familial influence is evident in the themes of resilience, identity, and cultural memory that permeate her work.
Okwui Okpokwasili Husband
Husband: Peter Born
Okwui Okpokwasili is married to Peter Born, a talented director and designer. Peter is known for his innovative work in lighting and staging, and he frequently collaborates with Okwui on her performances. Their professional partnership has been a significant aspect of Okwui’s career, allowing her to bring her unique artistic visions to life with Peter’s technical expertise and creative input.
Professional Collaboration
Peter Born has been instrumental in the success of many of Okwui’s projects. Some of their notable collaborations include:
- Pent-Up: A Revenge Dance: This was their first collaborative piece, which earned them critical acclaim and several awards.
- Bronx Gothic: Peter directed and designed the lighting for this deeply personal and powerful one-woman show.
- Poor People’s TV Room: Another significant work where Peter’s design and direction played a crucial role in bringing Okwui’s vision to the stage.
Marriage and Personal Life
Okwui and Peter have maintained a strong personal and professional relationship over the years. They share a deep commitment to their craft and often draw inspiration from each other. Their marriage is marked by mutual respect and a shared passion for the arts.
Public Appearances
The couple is known to keep their personal life relatively private, but they occasionally make public appearances together at art events, performances, and award ceremonies. Their partnership is often highlighted in interviews and articles, emphasizing the collaborative nature of their relationship.
Influence on Work
Peter Born’s influence on Okwui’s work is profound. His technical skills and artistic sensibilities complement Okwui’s creative vision, resulting in performances that are both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. Their collaboration has allowed Okwui to push the boundaries of performance art and explore new artistic territories.
Future Projects
Okwui and Peter continue to work together on new projects, constantly exploring innovative ways to tell stories and engage with audiences. Their ongoing collaboration promises to bring more groundbreaking performances to the stage in the future.
Okwui Okpokwasili Social Media Accounts
- Instagram: Not officially disclosed
- Twitter: Not officially disclosed
- Facebook: Not officially disclosed
Okwui Okpokwasili Lesser-Known Facts
- Multidisciplinary Artist: Okwui’s work spans theatre, dance, and installation art.
- Cultural Themes: Her performances often explore African and African American experiences.
- Yale Graduate: She attended Yale University.
- Collaborations: Frequently collaborates with her husband, Peter Born.
- Documentary Subject: Her work “Bronx Gothic” was the subject of a documentary.
- Awards: She is a MacArthur Fellow.
- Influence: A key figure in the New York experimental dance scene.
- Teaching: Visiting Assistant Professor at Brown University.
- Film Appearances: Appeared in “Madeline’s Madeline” and “Exorcist: Believer.”
- Community Engagement: Involved in various community arts projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is Okwui Okpokwasili’s age?
- She is 52 years old as of 2024.
- Where was Okwui Okpokwasili born?
- She was born in The Bronx, New York, USA.
- What is Okwui Okpokwasili’s profession?
- She is an artist, performer, choreographer, and writer.
- What is Okwui Okpokwasili’s net worth?
- Her estimated net worth is around $1 million.
- Who is Okwui Okpokwasili’s husband?
- She is married to Peter Born.
- What are some of Okwui Okpokwasili’s notable works?
- “Pent-Up: A Revenge Dance,” “Bronx Gothic,” and “Poor People’s TV Room.”
- What awards has Okwui Okpokwasili won?
- She has won the New York Dance Award, Performance Bessie Award, and MacArthur Fellowship.
- What is Okwui Okpokwasili’s educational background?
- She graduated from Yale University.
- What themes does Okwui Okpokwasili explore in her work?
- She explores cultural and historical memory, particularly African and African American experiences.
- Does Okwui Okpokwasili have any social media accounts?
- Official accounts are not publicly disclosed.