LOWELL, MASS.: Merrimack Repertory Theatre has announced that Malika Oyetimein will be the company’s artist-in-residence for the 2021-22 season. Oyetimein previously directed the theatre’s video production of Fannie Lou Hamer: Speak On It! last fall.

“Malika is one of the most exciting and dynamic directors working in the American theatre,” said artistic director Courtney Sale in a statement. “Malika crafts richly kinesthetic experiences onstage and tightly woven ensembles. Her rehearsal room radiates joy. Her candor calls us all to our best selves. We are thrilled she is joining MRT in this new role.”

The role of artist-in-residence includes the direction of a new-play workshop, season planning support, artistic hiring, and community engagement consulting. 

 Oyetimein’s previous directing credits include Bootycandy and Barbecue at Intiman Theatre Festival; Hoodoo Love at Sound Theatre Company; And in This Corner . . . Cassius Clay at Seattle Children’s Theatre; and The First Deep Breath for the National Black Theatre. A member of the Directors Lab at Lincoln Center Theater, she is also the co-adapter and director of Dr. Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (Book-It Repertory Theatre) and a graduate of the MFA program at the University of Washington’s School of Drama.