What does it mean to devote nearly two decades to a cycle of work while also leaping into entirely new forms? In this episode of our Playwright Mini-Series, Jennifer sits down with playwright, TV writer, and educator Mfoniso Udofia. Mfoniso shares how writing came from a place of healing and purpose and how her nine-play Ufot Family Cycle has grown into an expansive, intergenerational exploration of identity, hope, and belonging. She talks about finding a trusted circle of collaborators, knowing how to keep the emotional spark within the editing process, the challenges of finding balance, and the grief of letting go of a long creative chapter. Together, they discuss her transition into writing for television, learning the craft of image-driven storytelling, adjusting to the collaboration of the writers’ room, and understanding the unique desires of different networks. With takeaways on finding your voice, nurturing what excites you in your own work, and learning when to listen and when to stand firm, this conversation is equal parts inspiration and toolkit for artists and writers navigating all mediums.

About Mfoniso: MFONISO UDOFIA is a first-generation Nigerian-American storyteller and educator. From 2024-2026, a consortium of theatre companies and activation partners across Boston are producing all of Mfoniso’s 9-play UFOT FAMILY CYCLE. Productions of her plays SOJOURNERS, THE GROVE (2025 Elliot Norton for Outstanding New Script), RUNBOYRUN, HER PORTMANTEAU and IN OLD AGE have been seen at the Huntington Theatre, Central Square Theatre, Round House Theatre, NYTW, A.C.T., Playwrights Realm, Magic Theater, National Black Theatre, and Boston Court. She’s the recipient of the 2024 Steinberg Playwright Award, the 2021 Horton Foote Award, the 2017 Helen Merrill Award, the 2017-18 McKnight National Residency and Commission and is a member of New Dramatists.

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Mfoniso's Facebook: @mfonisoudofia

Mfoniso's Website: mfonisoudofia.com

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