Anastasia Osei-Kuffour: I wish I’d known…

I wish I’d known… Our series of interviews with theatre makers sharing their experiences of working in the industry

MGCfutures speaks to Theatre Maker and 2019 Bursary recipient, Anastasia Osei-Kuffour

When did you decide on your current career path?

In 2012, when I took part in the Introduction to Directing course at the Young Vic, I was blown away by what directing was and realised that a career in directing could be possible. From then on I decided to pursue a career in directing, knowing that it would be something I’d love to do for the rest of my life.

What prompted your decision?

The Introduction to Directing course really opened my eyes to what directing is and allowed me to practice directing which was really fun and because I really enjoyed it, I wanted to do more of it.

What was the biggest challenge you faced in the beginning?

I was pursuing a corporate law career before doing the course. When I completed the course and realised that I wanted to pursue a career in the arts, the biggest challenge was to understand and learn the craft, change my way of thinking from being very logical and business focussed to a more creative, open-minded way of thinking.

What has been one of the greatest rewards?

I produced and directed my first play as a writer in April 2024, hearing and seeing the audiences’ positive reactions felt like a great reward. I’ve been building a career in directing for 13 years now but, alongside that, I’ve always had the ambition to develop my writing and this year I was able to finally do it. Seeing how the story moved them – something I’ve been wanting to put out for so long – felt like a real relief and an achievement. MGCfutures was a significant part of my journey working out what I wanted to write and what I wanted to put out there for my playwriting debut so I’m really grateful.

What advice would you give the younger you just starting out?

It’s a marathon, not a sprint, don’t compare yourself to others because everyone has their own journey to go on that is unique and important for them, and always have faith!