Personal details
Born:
- Birthday: 1972-08-06
- Born Place: The Bronx, New York, U.S
Okwui Okpokwasili
Okwui Okpokwasili, born on August 6, 1972, in The Bronx, New York, is a Nigerian-American artist recognized as an actress, performer, choreographer, and writer. She is the daughter of Igbo Nigerian immigrants who came to the United States to escape the Nigerian Civil War in the late 1960s. Okpokwasili pursued higher education at Yale University. Her work often explores themes related to cultural and historical memory, particularly concerning Nigeria, and how African bodies are perceived in the Western world. She has gained acclaim for her experimental and multidisciplinary performances, frequently collaborating with her husband, Peter Born, who often directs and designs the lighting and staging for her productions. Okpokwasili's career includes roles in film, such as "The Interpreter" (2005) and the upcoming "The Woman in the Yard" (2025). She has also received numerous awards and recognition for her contributions to the arts, including Bessie Awards and a MacArthur Fellowship.
