New Earth boss to pursue ‘new chapter’ as company makes organisational changes

LIAN WILKINSON is moving on from her role as executive director and co-chief executive at New Earth Theatre to “pursue a new chapter” after six years with the company, which celebrates British East and Southeast Asian artists.

Wilkinson first joined the company in 2019, when it was called Yellow Earth, in a newly created executive producer role. Before this, she served as associate producer at Belgrade Theatre, where she was part of Tamasha’s sustained theatre regional associate producer programme.

Alongside productions and national tours, Wilkinson’s tenure saw New Earth expand its artist development programmes and introduce a digital strand to its work. In partnership with Tamasha, she developed Producers First, a programme supporting the next generation of ethnically diverse producers, and contributed to the formation of the Anti-Racism Touring Rider.

Her departure coincides with wider organisational changes that will see MARINA WU join as general manager, while from January, CLARISSA WIDYA will step into the position of executive producer, and TAMMIE RHEE will take on the role of producer.

“It has been a privilege to be at the helm of New Earth during some seminal years for the company,” said Wilkison. “Alongside the brilliant productions and achievements, my favourite part of the job has been at post-production drinks or friendly catch-ups, where somebody goes ‘New Earth made my career.’

“It gives me so much pride knowing that our work is truly life-changing, made possible by the brilliant New Earth community. My love for New Earth, my colleagues, and my co-chief executive AILIN CONANT, is truly shining: we’ve set up some great adventures ahead, and I can’t wait to cheer them on.”

Conant added: “Working alongside Lian has truly been a career highlight for me. Her passion, care, consideration, stamina, and humour will stay with us long after her departure.”