Harlem Stage announced its new Artistic Director and CEO, Indira Etwaroo, at Harlem Stage’s 40th anniversary sold out gala in City Winery.
Etwaroo hopes to emphasize the local and international connection in her new position. “Harlem is our home, but the world is our stage” is her north star phrase when it comes to leading the company. She upholds Harlem Stage’s core values of giving artists of color opportunities and dismantling the systems that historically oppress institutions and companies operated by people of color.
Etwaroo will succeed the now former Artistic Director and CEO of 25 years, Patricia Cruz. She expressed her gratitude for her new position and explained her challenges in today’s political climate. “It is not lost on me that my leadership tenure begins at a time when we must face—head on—the fragility of our fractured democracy, challenge demagoguery and the normalization of blatant falsehoods, and demand that cultural institutions be thought of as first responders and artists as frontline workers in this quest to create a more just, more truthful, more inclusive and more equitable world for the next generation and for generations to come,” she said. “I am deeply committed to the work ahead.”
With an extensive background in media and theater work, Etwaroo is familiar with directing. Etwaroo was the director of Steve Jobs theater from 2020 up until now and before that, she was the founding executive producer of both NPR from 2013-2015 and the century old radio station, The Greene Space from 2006 to 2013.
Etwaroo also has a background in fundraising. She became the first executive advisor of the Chadwick Boseman Estate, molding the foundation. During Covid-19 she helped raise $10 million for black theaters throughout the country.
Her work in the past was centered around community in the arts, something that Harlem Stage was built upon. The company was founded in 1983 to give a platform to Black artists and to expose Harlem to censored talent. Today, the stage hosts music and dance performances from artists around the world.
Upcoming performances include works from choreographer Camille A. Brown June 14 and 15 as well as the Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra on Sept.12.
For more information on Harlem Stage and Indira Etwaroo you can visit their website here.
The post Harlem Stage Announces New Artistic Director and CEO Dr. Indira Etwaroo. appeared first on NYS Music.
