Mimbre co-founder steps down to ‘create space for new ideas’

LINA JOHANSSON is stepping down as Mimbre’s joint artistic director, 26 years after co-founding the female-led acrobatic theatre company.

She will continue working as artistic consultant for the company, but leave the running and direction of the company to co-founding artistic director SILVIA FRATELLI and executive director LISSY LOVETT.

A choreographer and movement director, Johansson has also worked for companies including Garsington Opera, Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust, English National Opera and Roundhouse Trust.

During her time with Mimbre, the company engaged in several cross-artform collaborations with partners like Dior, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and BBC Arts. Also, it established the community-centred Mimbre Youth in 2008.

“I am proud beyond words of everything we have achieved with Mimbre so far,” said Johansson, adding that after 26 years, she needed to “follow some other interests” and “shake things up a bit for myself.”

“This is not a full goodbye, I will always be connected with Mimbre, in heart and soul,” she continued. “But also in body when needed as an artistic consultant. I’ll just be travelling on a parallel road.

“By taking a step back, I am excited to create space for new ideas, people and
dreams to grow and to see Mimbre keep flourishing.”

Co-chairs ALICE WORDSWORTH and JESSICA MAI SIMS said that they “fully support” Johansson’s decision and wish her “all the very best in this next chapter”.

“While this marks a transition, it is also a moment of excitement. Mimbre’s future remains in safe and inspiring hands, with a dedicated team committed to carrying forward the company’s spirit of collaboration and excellence,” they added.