We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anniwaa Buachie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Anniwaa , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Back in 2009, I was two years into my professional acting career in London, UK. I looked around me and saw that the roles for Black and women of colour were quite sparse at the time. The roles on offer were, to put it mildly, abysmal. Opportunities for creative growth seemed frustratingly scarce, often leaving us with little choice but to conform to stereotypical archetypes. I firmly believe that the root of this issue lay in the hands of the decision-makers, who were painfully distant from the very essence of diversity. They held a narrow perception of what they considered to be the “black experience,” yet had failed to recognise the glaring absence of African, Caribbean and Asian creatives, those who could authentically narrate their own lived experiences.

But instead of complaining, I said, nope, I am going to try my hardest to change this. And so I founded Golden Delilah, a theatre company with a clear and profound mission. Golden Delilah was dedicated to celebrating new writing, with a spotlight on female roles, offering a mirror to society’s true nature and affording emerging writers the genuine artistic opportunities they deserved.

Like with any new company, the journey was far from easy. The financial resources were non-existent, and opportunities to secure funding were rarer still. Yet, these challenges didn’t deter me; rather, they ignited a fire within to find innovative ways to create high-quality theatre, all the while championing exceptional writing, directing, and acting.

It was a remarkable and almost magical experience to unite a diverse group of writers, regardless of their backgrounds, to centre the narratives of black women and women of colour—an endeavour that was lacking in the cultural landscape of 2009. In this day and age, technology has undoubtedly propelled the entertainment industry into new dimensions. Platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Hulu etc have allowed stories to transcend borders and reach global audiences. Nevertheless, theatre is a potent and often visceral medium that holds a unique place in our cultural tapestry. I’ve always aspired for theatre to be an experience that goes beyond class and culture, an inclusive space for all.

My role as the Artistic Director of Golden Delilah Theatre Company represented a significant milestone for me in advancing diversity within the UK theatre industry. I embarked on an exploration of unconventional venues, from libraries and cafes to parks and community clubs. These were spaces where everyday people could not only enjoy but also deeply resonate with stories that acknowledged their existence, fostering community engagement. This commitment to inclusivity has been the bedrock of all my creative endeavours. There’s immense satisfaction in witnessing people stepping out of their comfort zones, in being seen and heard, and in celebrating their stories. It is, a pleasure for me to be part of this journey, where the voices of the unheard are finally amplified.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m an award-winning Ghanaian-British actress, filmmaker, and writer. Currently, you can catch me in a recurring role on the BBC Drama series, “Phoenix Rise.” But my passion doesn’t stop at acting; I’m equally passionate about storytelling, a limited series I co-created with my writing partner, has been in development with an Oscar-nominated production company. My work explores the intricate and often complicated African and Diaspora narratives.

One of my most recent and exciting projects is the short film “Moon Over Aburi,” where I’ve taken on the roles of both lead actress and producer. The script, authored by the renowned Ghanaian-Jamaican Emmy Award winner, Dr. Kwame Dawes, has been met with an overwhelmingly positive reception on the festival circuit. It’s been an incredible journey, and the film has earned nominations for Best International Short Film at prestigious festivals like the Essence Film Festival, Toronto Black Film Festival, Joburg Film Festival, Pan African Film Festival LA, Hayti Film Festival, and New York African Film Festival. Our work speaks volumes, and it’s a testament to the power of authentic storytelling.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I remember back when Netflix was still a relatively new phenomenon, and the whole “Netflix and chill” vibe was all the rage. I had this conversation with a friend, and I told them that I believed African and Diasporic content would find its way onto Netflix eventually. I vividly recall them laughing at me. But here we are in 2023, and African content is indeed streaming on Netflix! It’s amazing how things have evolved.

My mission is driven by a deep passion for acting and creating content that shines a spotlight on new voices in the Diaspora conversation. I’m eager to connect with individuals who share a genuine desire to foster and collaborate with emerging global voices. Ghana, in particular, holds a special place in my heart, and I’m dedicated to showcasing what it has to offer the entertainment world. I want the world to recognise that Ghana is right up there with South Africa and Nigeria in terms of producing fantastic content.

Now, let me share my dream with you. I envision creating a streaming service akin to Showmax, one that’s exclusively dedicated to showcasing content from all 54 countries in Africa. The diversity in languages, stories, and cultures across the continent is astounding, and I think it would be incredible to have a platform where people can watch content and access dubbing or subtitling in a language of their choice, be it an African language or English, French, or Portuguese. This way, those in the diaspora can feel a connection to their roots while being far from home. And, equally important, it would serve as a powerful tool in uprooting preconceptions about Africa and promoting a deeper understanding of such a unique continent.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Curiosity is key. I believe you have to be a curious person to be an artist. You have to possess a burning desire to venture beyond the comfortable, to tread uncharted territories, and let those explorations breathe life into your work. There’s an enduring misconception about being an artist, often perpetuated by those who adhere to more conventional life paths. Let’s be honest; it’s a demanding journey, much like any other. However, I take immense pride in knowing that when people seek to stir emotion or yearn to escape the world, they instinctively turn to creativity. They open a book, lose themselves in music, immerse in a film, attend the theatre, or revel in a concert. They seek solace in the artistry of the creative, in the power to shape narratives. It’s a potent and, at times, daunting position to occupy, but I embrace it. I love being an artist, a creator, armed with the gift of talent. It’s a position of influence, of resonance, and I embrace it with an unwavering love.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.anniwaabuachie.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniwaabuachie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anniwaabuachieactor?ref=hl
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anniwaabuachie
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnniwaaBuachie
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/sPZUQ8bAVGk?si=cPghq5CevhU1m70r
• Other: VIMEO: https://vimeo.com/841308977/8c586771cb?share=copy

Image Credits
Photography – Apagnawen Annankra [Film shots] Profile shots – Agyekum photography.