Natalie Sowell has been named the new chair of the Department of Theater and Performance. Sowell is an artist, educator, arts administrator, and activist who most recently served as the director of the School of Theatre at the University of North Carolina Greensboro for four and a half years. Before that, she taught and served in administrative roles at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, for 16 years.
Sowell has a lifelong history of working in theater and performance. She was raised by her mother, who was also an artist, educator and activist and brought her up in theaters that celebrated Black art.
“My parents created a youth theatre, UJIMA YOUTHEATRE for young Black people when I was a preteen and when I was 19 years old, I took over as artistic director of the company. This was an incredible learning experience,” said Sowell. “I wrote, directed, made the costumes, booked touring shows, did the marketing, picked up the kids for performances, wrote grants, created study guides – everything from A to Z. The most important part of this work was that the focus was on the agency and voice of the young people involved.”
Sowell was inspired to work for Spelman for its rich history and culture. She aims to use the arts at the College as a catalyst for change.
“The rich history of educating Black women leaders is inspiring and the mission aligns with my values and purpose. I believe the arts are a vehicle for change in the world. In theatre spaces in the United States, it is rare to see a Black woman at the helm - particularly in academia,” said Sowell. “I have been seeking community and a space in which I belong - particularly during this time in our country. I've been calling Spelman an oasis - I know this is exactly where I am supposed to be.”
Sowell said she's excited to create more opportunities for students to embrace their interdisciplinary inclinations - particularly in relation to technology, experimentation and innovation for social change.
"There's such a beautiful legacy in the Department of Theatre and Performance and it is a wonderful time to be at Spelman with the incredible emphasis on the arts part of liberal arts," said Sowell. "I see my role here as part of the lineage moving towards the 22nd century, imagining what the theatre and performance of the future will be."