Umar Butt
Global Stories Close to Home
“At the play’s heartfelt conclusion, Butt is reduced to tears and a quick glance around the audience confirms that he’s not alone” - Phillip Caveney
I am an actor, writer, director, and theatre maker, focused on socially engaged work. Committed to creating work that celebrates inclusive participatory practice. I am one of the Tees Valley Artist of the Year 2025. This gives me a platform to develop work for the Global Majority in the Tees Valley, and beyond.
My background as a first-generation migrant fuels my passion exploring Global human stories, invariably centring on themes of belonging, family, community and displacement. I am a physical theatre specialist and a causal lecturer at The Northern School of Art. My work has been widely presented, ranging from community centres, outdoor, studios and mid- scale theatres across national and international platforms. Additionally, I serve as a consultant for theatre makers throughout the country. I am also the Co-founder of Bijli, inaugural company in residence at National Theatre of Scotland.