Ricardo Mensah

Ricardo Mensah is a visionary thespian and performer, who uses his art as a vehicle to comprehensively explore, uplift and heal. Having grown up in Southern Africa through the last decade of the Apartheid years, he has used his experiences to explore various socio-political issues. Ricardo being very empathetic by nature, combined with great technical and dramatic vision has a knack for directing and a naturalistic acting style. His love of literature was nurtured from a young age, as he writes himself. He had been in school plays at just 4 years old and although drama was never taught at school, he always had dreams of being in the entertainment world.

In 2001, Ricardo began pursuing his dream with evening classes, which he continued when moving to the UK in 2002. In 2003 he enrolled for a Foundation Degree in Performing Arts from which he graduated in 2005. The disciplines comprised Dance, Drama and Music/Vocals. Ricardo majored in Drama, with Music/Vocals as his secondary and on occasion he participated in Dance. This degree being validated by London Metropolitan University was facilitated at WAC Performing Arts and Media College. The training was unique as the curriculum gave equal recognition to Western and non-Western art forms.

During and after his training, Ricardo continuously devised, directed and acted as part of ensemble casts, with various lead or supporting roles in pieces such as, The Crucible (Interchange Studios), Swingin’ in Mid Dream (The Albany) and Reprisals (Studio Theatre). One of the highlights of his career has been his role as ‘Ferdie’ in a specially commissioned performance of The Big Life at Interchange Studios.

Ricardo further developed his directorial skills as co-director for Leap of Faith with Trevor Blackman-Festival of Youth Arts (Theatre Museum). He also directed various youth groups such as KORI Arts and Rise Phoenix and continues dedicating time to youth projects whilst pursuing other avenues.

Ricardo’s vision as a man who is passionate and dedicated to what he does is to leave a body of work and a legacy that will continue to be a vehicle for others.