Mbongeni N. Mtshali is a performance maker, scholar, artist and teacher. He completed his Ph.D in Performance Studies at Northwestern University, and is currently Acting Director of the Centre for Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies at the University of Cape Town. Mbongeni’s research explores black queer/femme performance in South Africa as well as Africa and its diaspora more broadly, with a focus on how black queer/femme subjects use performance tactically, challenging nationally sanctioned repertoires of African respectability, cultural intelligibility and belonging. He has recently turned his attention to tracing queer genealogies of African decolonial world-making across the Caribbean, South Atlantic and Indian Ocean. Mbongeni has collaborated on creative projects with The Other Foundation, The Buffet Foundation, the Institute for Creative Arts, the Weaver Hughes Ensemble, the Block Museum, The Court Theatre, Victory Gardens Biograph Theatre, Hunan Opera House and the Artscape Theatre, among others. His recent professional recognitions include the Standard Bank Silver Ovation Award and the Fleur du Cap Theatre Award for notable achievements in directing and performance-making.