The Kandake Dance Theatre for Social Change

In these times, getting funding and production support for the arts is increasingly difficult. Fearlessly theatrical, ambitiously experimental work that promotes authentic diversity and a more just society is NOW especially at risk.

Founded in March 2011, The Kandake Dance Theatre for Social Change creates free and low-cost workshops, shows, wellness retreats, artist support, and more that is immersive, accessible, and unique.

Champion these projects by making a tax-deductible donation to The Kandake Dance Theatre for Social Change TODAY!

Olga El is an award-winning playwright, performance activist, and folkloric dancer who aims to educate and engage audiences in ways that inspire change—on the level of the personal, communal, or beyond—that will ultimately lead to a more just, compassionate, and healthy society. Music, multimedia, and movement—particularly martial arts; aerial arts; and dances from all over Africa and the Diaspora—is seamlessly interwoven into her work. In March 2011 she founded The Kandake Dance Theatre for Social Change after years of experimenting with similar projects. Through The Kandake she creates accessible community initiatives, shows, etc. She has performed for HBO, BAM, Dixon Place, Park Avenue Armory, Lincoln Center, and more. A game she wrote, a queer eco-thriller called The Forest Protector, can be played via her website www.TheKandake.com.

INCOMPLETE SHORTLIST OF HONORS:

June Bingham New Playwright Commission - Semi-Finalist (2025, 2023)
Playwrights' Center Core Writer Program - Finalist (2024)
$30K Map Fund - Final Round, Random Elimination (2024)
Steinbeck Fellowship - Semi-Finalist (2024)
National Black Theatre - Keep Soul Alive (2023-2025)
Hedgebrook - Vanetta Cutchin Memorial Fellow (2023)
Ma's House w/ Shinnecock Nation - Resident Artist (2023)
Sewanee Writers' Conference - Playwriting Fellow (2022)
Eugene O’Neill National Playwrights' Conference - Semi-Finalist (2022)
90th Annual Writers' Digest International Competition - 1st Place Scriptwriting (2021)
Off-Broadway Full-Script Solicitation - MCC (2019), The Public Theater (2015)