Helen Iskander

Helen Iskander is an actress, writer and director.

TO BE EDITED

Biography

She had her original training BA in Performing Arts from Middlesex University, London and a Diploma in Movement, Mime and Physical Theatre from the Jacques Lecoq School in Paris [1]. In addition has an MA in Actor Training and Coaching (RCSSD), a Post Graduate Certificate in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education (RCSSD) and a BA Honours in Performance Arts (Middlesex University).

She co-formed the Fresco Theatre Company [2] in Johannesburg in 2002 with her South African James Cunningham, and worked with the company for 15 years before returning to the UK.

In my recent solo work, Welcome (performed at Riverside Studios, London), I explore pressing issues surrounding borders and UK deportation policies - prompting audiences to reflect on our shared responsibility in the global refugee and migration crisis. Collaborating with human rights organisations, I am developing this project for a UK tour in 2025, with a vision to engage and inspire audiences on a national scale.

She has worked extensively in theatre and television as actor, director and performance coach.

Beyond my theatre-making work, I am deeply committed to teaching, facilitating, and advancing diversity and equality in the arts. My experience includes serving as a keynote speaker for the IEB Conference in South Africa, Artist-in-Residence at Wits University in Johannesburg, Lecturer at Wits University, Jo’burg, external examiner at Rhodes University, and as an Ambassador for ASSITEJ South Africa, promoting access to the arts for young people.

My teaching extends across acting, movement, devising and directing disciplines at all levels of higher education. In the UK, I have worked as a lecturer at Mountview, Guildford School of Arts, East15 Acting School, Screenology film school and the National Centre for Circus Arts in London. I have directed numerous student productions across MA and BA Acting courses, including the NCCA, RCSSD and Wits University (S Africa).

I am passionate about curriculum design and have co-designed several courses, including most recently, the roll out of a new Creative Film Making degree (BA) for Screenology Film School, Bristol (2022).

My teaching philosophy is rooted in nurturing free-thinking artists who are prepared to be influential, socially conscious leaders and change-makers through inventive and high-quality artistic practices.