Temi Majekodunmi is a trained actor from East15 Acting School, with performances at renowned venues such as Soho Theatre, Theatre Peckham, Pleasance, Hampstead Theatre, and Golden Goose Theatre.
As a writer, he made his debut with The Life of Olu at Soho Theatre’s Rising Festival in 2022. His second play, Thicker Than Water, was longlisted for the Alfred Fagon: Mustapha Matura Award and shortlisted for the 2023 Adopt A Playwright Award. His third play, Positive, received critical acclaim, making the shortlist for the 2023 Alfred Fagon Award, the 2024 New Diorama Edinburgh Untapped Award, and the George Devine Award, where it also earned a Special Mention. Temi has been part of esteemed writing groups at Kiln Theatre, Almeida Theatre, Soho Theatre, Bush Theatre, The London Library, and The Royal Court. His work reflects a dedication to authentic storytelling and amplifying Black voices. We sat down with Temi ahead of Positive being performed as part of FORGE Festival.
What inspired you to focus on joy, love, and brotherhood in this play?
I think, for a lot of the time, narratives centring on Black queer men have been rooted in trauma and pain. While those stories are valid, I wanted to write something that allowed space for joy, softness, and belly-laughing humour, something that feels honest but also hopeful. POSITIVE is about friendship as a lifeline, about the intimacy between Black men that isn’t often shown, and about the quiet power of being seen and loved for who you are. The inspiration came from my friendships and lived experiences, wanting to honour them on stage.
How did you approach crafting Malachi and Ade’s emotional journeys?
Malachi and Ade represent two very different expressions of Black queer men. I wanted to explore what happens when two people love each other deeply but are growing in different directions. Malachi is searching for connection and visibility, while Ade is wrestling with internalised expectations and a need for safety. Their journeys are layered with humour and conflict, but at the heart of it is this tension between being vulnerable vs being protected. I approached them both with a lot of compassion and complexity. I hope that audiences see themselves in the cracks and tenderness of their story, and leave feeling more empathetic toward others and themselves.
How have writing groups like Kiln, Almeida, and Royal Court shaped your voice?
These spaces have been instrumental. Each one gave me tools, mentorship, and more importantly, community. At the Kiln, I found confidence in writing from personal experience. At the Almeida and Royal Court, I was challenged to take risks and lean into form. POSITIVE reflects that evolution it’s bold in its comedy, emotional in its storytelling, and unafraid to be political through character. I think being in those rooms made me trust my instincts more and realise that my voice and perspective are necessary.
How does this production embody Visual Sauce’s mission of social change and uplifting voices?
POSITIVE couldn’t exist without that ethos. Visual Sauce and the FORGE Festival have created space for stories that challenge, uplift, and inspire. They’ve been collaborative every step of the way from development to casting to production. The production amplifies voices that are often unheard and does so without compromising on joy, or authenticity. It’s activism through storytelling, and it’s been beautiful to build that with a team that shares that vision.
What has recognition like the George Devine Special Mention meant for your creative journey?
Honestly, it’s been surreal. Being shortlisted and receiving that special mention felt like a moment of affirmation. Like, yes, this story matters. Awards aren’t everything, but they do help you pause and reflect on the bigger picture. It’s encouraged me to push further and trust my instincts. It’s opened up my own belief in what I’m capable of creating next.
Can you talk about the outreach programme and why it matters to your work?
This programme is deeply personal. Being a Black LGBTQ+ creative can be isolating, especially in theatre. Creating space for others like me whether through mentorship, workshops, or conversations is just as important as the art itself. The outreach is a way to say: You belong. Your voice matters. And there’s space for you in this industry. As a writer, I want my work to create ripples, not just on stage but behind it too. It’s about legacy, and about holding the door open for others.
Positive, part of FORGE Festival, runs 13th – 18th May. Tickets are available here.