Taonga Tembo Liwewe is a Zambian Artistic Director, Performance Artist, Theatre for Development Practitioner, and Cultural Producer whose work spans theatre, community development, cultural exchange, and artistic leadership. With over two decades of experience in the creative sector, he has dedicated his career to using theatre as a tool for social transformation, behaviour change, and community empowerment.
His artistic journey is rooted in the belief that theatre is a versatile and powerful medium capable of influencing attitudes, fostering dialogue, and inspiring collective action. Through participatory theatre practices, Taonga has worked with diverse communities to address social challenges, encourage critical reflection, and develop locally driven solutions.
As Co-founder and Artistic Director of Barefeet Theatre, he has led numerous productions and development initiatives that merge artistic excellence with social impact. His work focuses on Theatre for Development, content creation, scriptwriting, performance art, and cultural exchange, creating platforms for emerging artists while strengthening the role of theatre within community development.
Taonga has played a significant leadership role within Zambia's theatre sector, serving as National Executive Secretary General of the Zambia Popular Theatre Alliance (ZAPOTA) and as Productions Secretary for NAPSA Theatre Club. Through these positions, he has contributed to the growth of theatre networks, festival development, artistic collaborations, and professional capacity building across Zambia and beyond.
His work has taken him to international festivals, cultural exchange programs, and artistic collaborations across Africa, Europe, and Asia, where he has represented Zambia's vibrant performing arts sector. Through performance, directing, producing, and cultural leadership, Taonga continues to champion theatre as a force for social change, cultural preservation, and artistic innovation.
Co-founder and Artistic Director of Barefeet Theatre (2006–Present) National Executive Secretary General, Zambia Popular Theatre Alliance (ZAPOTA) Productions Secretary, NAPSA Theatre Club (2004–2010; 2017–Present) Festival Director, Kwimbo National Arts Festival (2023–2024) Production Director for Tears at the Palace at the TRC International Festival, Malawi (2025) Participant at the Grahamstown International Festival, South Africa (2024) International Cultural Exchange Participant, Deconfining Arts, Culture and Policies, Hungary (2024) Coordinator of The World is One International Virtual Concert in partnership with World Vision Korea (2021) Mentor and trainer of emerging theatre practitioners throughout Zambia Advocate for Theatre for Development as a tool for social transformation and community engagement
