Black Panther star Daniel Kaluuya is to "pay it forward" by founding a youth theatre at the venue where he took acting classes as a teenager.
The Oscar-winning actor, who grew up in Camden, will create and lead youth theatre company Centre 59 as part of his new role as Associate Artistic Director of The Roundhouse in Chalk Farm.
He has previously spoken about growing up poor on a Camden council estate and taking advantage of local "free and cheap arts clubs," including Anna Scher in Islington, Wac in Belsize Park, Hampstead Theatre's youth programme, and classes at The Roundhouse Studios.
After Torriano Primary School he attended St Aloyisus in Highgate then studied in the sixth form at Camden School for Girls. By 18 he was appearing in and co-writing TV drama Skins, before landing parts in the likes of Roy Williams' Sucker Punch. He's now known for big budget movies Get Out and Black Panther, Judas and the Black Messiah, and newly released Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse sees him voicing the character of Spider-Punk, who comes from Camden.
"After attending drama classes at the Roundhouse 20 years ago, establishing Centre 59 in my first act as Associate Artistic Director is a full circle moment," said the 34-year-old.
"It is a great opportunity to pay forward what I appreciated receiving in my own youth – and creating Centre 59 is the perfect way to do that. With shared values of community, taking action and legacy, Roundhouse is the ideal partner. I am excited about how the next generation will be inspired, grow and benefit from what we will all build together."
Centre 59 will support 13-25-year-olds from all backgrounds to develop their passion and skills in the performing arts - from gaining practical skills to building networks for the future. It will build on The Roundhouse's existing programme offering young people affordable access to creative projects with sessions for £2 per hour.
Marcus Davey, Chief Executive and Artistic Director, Roundhouse said: "Welcoming Daniel back to the Roundhouse as Associate Artistic Director is a huge honour. Since his time here as a teenager, we have watched in awe as Daniel has gone on to become a household name, in the UK and across the world. Daniel is proof of what can happen when you give young people the space and opportunity to express themselves and develop their creativity."
Alongside his creative partnership with the Roundhouse, Daniel is set to make his feature film writing debut with Netflix's dystopian thriller The Kitchen, and will star in and produce The Upper World based on the novel by Femi Fadugba.
More information about Centre 59 will be announced soon. Sign up to the Roundhouse newsletter at bit.ly/roundhouse-centre59 to hear more.
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