Philip Akin

Philip Akin was one of the founding members of Obsidian Theatre in 2000, and the Artistic Director from 2006-2020.  In that time he accumulated more directing and leadership awards than any other Black director in the nation, including several Dora Awards, Toronto Theatre Critics, the Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award,  the 2019 Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, and most recently finished runner up as the Canadian Artist of the Year. His prolific acting career has taken him on screen  voicing Bishop on X-Men to the titular character in a Stratford production of Othello. In stepping down from Obsidian Theatre Company, his goal is to ensure Canada’s next generation of Black artists take the helm and spark a narrative for the next generation.