Lunga Yeni

Artistic Director · Writer

Lunga began her theatrical career as an actress, appearing in several productions including the lead role in Winsome Pinnock’s A Rock in Water at the Royal Court Theatre. She later trained as a director at Rose Bruford College.

Her theatre directing credits include Incompatibly Yours at Pegasus Theatre and the Lyric, The Thing About Shirley and Become a Man at Hackney Empire, Jesus Loves Me at the Bussey Building, and Pumpkin Soup for the Soul at Chats Palace.

Through Break-Thru Productions, Lunga has written and directed theatre and film projects including Shame and Scandal, Broken, It’s On!, Cutting Edge and Disposable Angels. Disposable Angels won Best Women’s Film at the Crown International Film Festival and has screened internationally.

Lunga is passionate about creating transformative stories centred on Black women’s lives, voices and experiences. She also writes candidly at Ithina Now.

Luyanda

Producer · Assistant Director

Luyanda began working professionally in showbusiness at the age of five as a dancer. She later trained in drama and musical theatre at Anna Scher Theatre, Sylvia Young Theatre School, The BRIT School and Millennium Performing Arts.

She has appeared in theatre productions, music videos, television commercials and programmes including the BBC’s The Lenny Henry Show.

In 2007, Luyanda co-founded Twirl Performing Arts, where she taught dance, singing and drama to children aged four to thirteen and co-produced and choreographed the students’ showcases. She continues to teach dance and drama workshops nationally and internationally.

Luyanda loves being part of Break-Thru Productions and is looking forward to developing future projects with the company.

Khaya Powell

Website Manager · Production Support

Khaya Powell studied Mathematics and Statistics at Aberystwyth University. While at university, he joined the Camera Club, where he developed a keen interest in photography and began building his skills behind the lens.

Khaya has been part of Break-Thru Productions’ journey for many years, documenting the company’s work through photography and creating a valuable visual record of its theatre productions, films, workshops and events.

Alongside his photography, Khaya has supported Break-Thru Productions across both film and theatre projects, taking on a variety of practical production roles including runner and stage manager. His willingness to work both behind the scenes and alongside the creative team has made him an important part of the company’s development.