Meaza Worku

Meaza Worku Berhanu is an accomplished writer, director, and theatre professional known for her work in Ethiopian arts, particularly in theatre and film writing and production. She is one of our few veteran and influential female playwrights. Born on December 12, 1978, in Asmara inside Kagnew Station, she was a one month old infant when her parents relocated to Addis Ababa for work, and she grew up around the North Municipal area of Addis Ababa. From a young age, she had a strong passion for reading stories, listening to people, and following radio and films. She completed her primary education at Tsebebe Ediget School and her secondary education at Ethiopia Tikdem Number 1 School. She joined Addis Ababa University and received her bachelor degree in Theatre Arts in 2000. In 2006, she completed her diploma in Intercultural Adult Pedagogy from University of West in Sweden. Her 2002 production "Akwarach" was her first television drama production, and "YeQirib Ruruq", written in 2003, was her first television writing. She worked as an arts program producer at Fana Broadcasting Corporate and Sheger FM 102.1. She has written over 20 short radio dramas and serial stories. Her first stage play, "Zenelegnu", began showing in 2012 at the Addis Ababa Culture and Hall Theatre. Subsequently, her play titled "YeEmegoch" gained widespread recognition after showing for a long time at Hager Fikir Theatre. "Keselemtana Gar" is another one of her plays. Her 2011 play "Desperate to Fight", which was her first English language theatrical writing, was selected by the renowned Sundance Institute East African Theatre and had the opportunity to be read and shown on international stages in New York and Sweden. Meaza is married and the mother of two children, and she continues to work in writing and production through her own arts consultancy firm. She shares her works, short stories, and artistic discussions with her followers by opening her official Meaza Worku YouTube channel. She also actively participates in arts programs that promote the reading culture, such as Reading and Chill with various veteran artists. For her outstanding contribution to the arts sector, she was presented with an acknowledgment award in February 2024 by Limkokwing University College.