Esosa Ighodaro

Esosa Ighodaro is a Nigerian-Irish writer, director, and vocalist whose work spans theatre
and screen.

With over a decade of experience as a professional actor, she brings a rich
performance background to her storytelling. Her work centres Black voices and explores the complexity of identity, belonging, and cultural memory in contemporary Ireland.

Esosa is the Project Lead on the Rachel Baptiste Programme – a paid mentorship
programme for writers of colour to develop a new work for theatre. A 2024 Resident Director
at the Abbey Theatre, Esosa is also currently a Resident Artist at axis: Ballymun and an
Associate Artist with Civic Theatre, Tallaght.

As a recipient of Arts Council Project Award funding, Esosa is currently developing new
plays for theatre. As well as working on new original film projects. Her screen work has
premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh and been showcased internationally. Esosa serves on the boards of The Watergate Theatre, The Lir Academy, and Irish Theatre
Institute.

As a vocalist, Esosa works in a wide range of styles, in particular earning acclaim for her
soulful renditions of traditional Irish music – soul ceol! She recorded her debut album “You
Won’t Believe It” after touring extensively as a solo artist as well as a guest and backing
vocalist. She has worked with a range of artists from local Gospel Choirs to Stevie Wonder.