And you are?

Call me Ozioma. Actually, screw that. I would prefer “Good News.” Kind of bold isn’t it? But hey, take that up with my parents, not me. I’m just the deliverer or should I say writer.

I found my way with words, by being lost for words. During lockdown, I experienced an overwhelming sense of loss in every aspect of my life, which almost defeated me. I said it’s enough! My Cry-Me-A-River days had to end. I must fight this emotional war and attack the beast that lives within. So, I knocked on her door, and then found myself rhyming “I would happily let go” with “I’m struggling to swallow the sorrow, consume defeat.”

I was able to marry words together that on paper felt like a release. This birthed my poem, Useless, which personifies depression as a living organism rather than a feeling, as if I was directly talking to my emotions in an attempt to understand them. This voice of depression was recently published in an anthology called 100 Black Voices. This was just the beginning of finding my own voice.

Casting for a BLACK ACTRESS

These did not come as frequently. Attending auditions was survival of the fittest, as we all knew how limited Black roles were. How can I enter audition rooms already knowing all the actors I’m up against? Despite making it to the final recalls, I struggled to secure roles.

You are so talented, but…REJECTION

Being talented wasn’t enough, I was not right for the role. So, I thought, maybe the right role hasn’t been made, because I was destined to make it. Why am I waiting for someone to serve me the dish, when I have all the ingredients right here to create my own?

I carried out research, which revealed a lack of diverse narratives for Black women.

There’s the typical FEISTY one, the FETISH, the AGGRESSOR.

These negative narratives pollute the media by giving the impression that this is who we are, yet they are all written from every perspective other than our own.

I sound REALLY angry, don’t I?

I’m not, I’m just passionate.

And right now, I am in the process of becoming the change that I want to see. Initially, I was scared, having recently been diagnosed with dyslexia. I can barely read a story, let alone create one. However, I was able to overcome this fear through the practices that I had learnt during my studies in Drama with Business (2:1) at Loughborough University. It developed my confidence to write freely, turning those rivers into streams of consciousness. It wasn’t perfect the first time, but I soon realised that perfect is not a destination but an on-going journey.

In the pipeline: I’m currently working with the Old Vic on their Theatre Makers project, as well as creating and pitching to companies to take on my pilot for what I hope to be a TV series. The concept is centred around spirituality...but I can’t reveal too much. I am eager to find more opportunities to add to my writing journal.

So, to answer your question, I am a storyteller, nice to meet you too.

Ozioma Ihesiene

Thanks Ozioma for sharing your story.

I think she’s going to get there, don’t you?

Be part of her journey.

Please get in touch with me at Storyletters to be connected with Ozioma.

Let’s create change together.

Best wishes,

Sherry Collins