Forest Forward has named Nijeul X as Executive and Artistic Director of Forest Theater, and Arts Consulting Group (ACG) extends its congratulations on his leadership appointment.
Born out of a need to serve the South Dallas community, Forest Forward is a strategic initiative designed to deliver vigorous neighborhood revitalization. Expanding the dream of community stakeholders and the modernization of the historic Forest Theater, it strives towards a just, healthy, and thriving South Dallas. April 2024 marked the momentous occasion of the long-awaited groundbreaking of the extraordinary Theatre. Originally part of the Interstate Theater chain, it opened in 1949 to provide entertainment to primarily Caucasian middle-class patrons, and then in 1956, it shifted gears and changed its focus to African American families who were moving into the area. As the Theater’s identity evolved, it became a vital hub for African American audiences by hosting unforgettable performances by legends and icons. After decades of ebbs and flows, in honor of its legacy as an African American venue, in 2003, Erykah Badu relaunched it as the Black Forest Theater.
X brings a proven track record of building bold creative ideas with strong programmatic foundations, lasting operational infrastructure, and authentic community connections to generate lasting impact. His leadership is marked by an unapologetic curatorial vision and social practice that uses the power of storytelling to build community.
X most recently served as director of artistic programs, communications, and strategy at WACO Theater Center (Where Art Can Occur) in Los Angeles, alongside Founder and Artistic Director Tina Knowles. While there, he led the company’s most ambitious strategic initiative: securing a five-year partnership with the city of Los Angeles to operate the Vision Theatre Performing Arts Center, a 750-seat concert hall and the largest artistic venue dedicated to stories of the African diaspora on the West Coast.
X’s previous experience also includes forging cross-sector collaborations with partners such as the NAACP, Kennedy Center, Google, and Gilead Sciences while also executive-producing “WITNESS,” a celebrated exhibition featured by the Los Angeles Times and TEDWomen. Alongside supporting renowned artists such as Tarrell Alvin McCraney, Andra Day, Debbie Allen, Michael Eric Dyson, and Amiri Baraka, X’s experience extends across award-winning theater companies, including Center Theatre Group, Pasadena Playhouse, and Steppenwolf Theatre Company.
“Nijeul brings a rare blend of artistic vision and community-driven leadership that makes him the perfect choice to guide the Forest Theater into its next chapter,” said Elizabeth Wattley, president and CEO of Forest Forward. “His leadership will help ensure the Forest Theater is restored as a hub where the arts and community come together in powerful ways.”
ACG is the leading provider of hands-on interim management, executive search, revenue enhancement, strategic planning & community engagement, and facilities & program planning and research services for the arts and culture industry. ACG consultants are located in communities across the United States and Canada to best serve the needs of our clients. ACG team members have decades of combined senior leadership experience in every artistic and cultural discipline and area of functional management expertise.