Saidah Arrika Ekulona
Latest News on Saidah Arrika Ekulona:
The Old Globe to Present Second Extension for HEDDA GABLER (Feb 20, 2026)
Review: HEDDA GABLER at The Old Globe (Feb 13, 2026)
HEDDA GABLER Starring Katie Holmes Extended at The Old Globe (Jan 22, 2026)
The Old Globe to Present Second Extension for HEDDA GABLER (Feb 20, 2026)
Review: HEDDA GABLER at The Old Globe (Feb 13, 2026)
HEDDA GABLER Starring Katie Holmes Extended at The Old Globe (Jan 22, 2026)
BIO
Saidah Arrika Ekulona is an award-winning theatre, television and film actress. She's originated roles on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in regional theatres and international theatres, and originated the role of Mama Nadi in the Pulitzer Prize winning play Ruined, for which she won an Obie Award, Lucille Lortel Award, Jeff Award, Audelco Award and the Black Theatre Alliance Award. Saidah received her BA from Albright College and her MFA from University of Minnesota.
Photos
STAGE CREDITS
[Off-Broadway]
2004
Allison/ Mother/ Inmate #2/ Devora/ Ensemble
Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Actress in a Play
Saidah Arrika Ekulona, Ruined
winner
Obie Awards - 2009 - Performance
Saidah Arrika Ekulona, Ruined
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Actress in a Play
Saidah Arrika Ekulona, Ruined
winner
The Lortels - 2009 - Outstanding Lead Actress
Saidah Arrika Ekulona, Ruined
Videos
Photo/Video: First Look at Rosie O'Donnell & More in Prime Video's A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN Series
by Michael Major - 2022-07-26 11:18:01
VIDEO: Roberta Colindrez, Molly Ephraim & More Star in A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN Series Teaser
by Michael Major - 2022-06-07 11:58:36
STAGE TUBE: MOTHERHOOD OUT LOUD Company Talks New Primary Stages Production
by Jessica Lewis - 2011-08-29 11:15:10
STAGE TUBE: Blackwell, Bell, Vogel Create 'It Gets Better' Video For BC/EFA
by Gabrielle Sierra - 2010-11-03 10:51:57
News
The Old Globe to Present Second Extension for HEDDA GABLER
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 20, 2026
The Old Globe's production of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, which is led by film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes in the title role, has received a second extension.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 20, 2026
The Old Globe's production of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, which is led by film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes in the title role, has received a second extension.
Review: HEDDA GABLER at The Old Globe
by ErinMarie Reiter - Feb 13, 2026
“Hedda Gabler” by Henrik Ibsen, now given a taut new version by Erin Cressida Wilson and directed with precision by Barry Edelstein at The Old Globe, stars Katie Holmes in the title role through March 15th.
by ErinMarie Reiter - Feb 13, 2026
“Hedda Gabler” by Henrik Ibsen, now given a taut new version by Erin Cressida Wilson and directed with precision by Barry Edelstein at The Old Globe, stars Katie Holmes in the title role through March 15th.
HEDDA GABLER Starring Katie Holmes Extended at The Old Globe
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 22, 2026
The Old Globe will present a one-week extension for its 2026 season opener Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler. Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes leads the cast in the title role.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 22, 2026
The Old Globe will present a one-week extension for its 2026 season opener Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler. Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes leads the cast in the title role.
Full Cast Set for Katie Holmes-Led HEDDA GABLER at The Old Globe
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 6, 2026
The Old Globe has revealed the full cast and creative team for Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler. Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes leads the cast in the title role.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 6, 2026
The Old Globe has revealed the full cast and creative team for Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler. Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes leads the cast in the title role.
Video: First Trailer for AMBER ALERT Starring Hayden Panettiere and Tyler James Williams
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 15, 2024
Lionsgate has unveiled the first trailer for Amber Alert, the upcoming thriller. In the film, an ordinary rideshare becomes a high-stakes game of cat and mouse when Jaq and Shane receive an alert of a child abduction on their phones. Quickly realizing they are behind a car that matches the description of the kidnappers, Jaq and Shane desperately race to save the child’s life. Watch the trailer now.
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 15, 2024
Lionsgate has unveiled the first trailer for Amber Alert, the upcoming thriller. In the film, an ordinary rideshare becomes a high-stakes game of cat and mouse when Jaq and Shane receive an alert of a child abduction on their phones. Quickly realizing they are behind a car that matches the description of the kidnappers, Jaq and Shane desperately race to save the child’s life. Watch the trailer now.
Ojai Playwrights Conference Announces Actors, Directors, And Dramaturgs For 2024 New Works Festival
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 19, 2024
Ojai Playwrights Conference has announced the full roster of artists for its 27th Annual New Works Festival to be held August 1 - 4 in Ojai, CA.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 19, 2024
Ojai Playwrights Conference has announced the full roster of artists for its 27th Annual New Works Festival to be held August 1 - 4 in Ojai, CA.
Listen: Saidah Ekulona Talks Her Stage and Screen Career and More on LITTLE KNOWN FACTS
by Little Known Facts w/ Ilana Levine - Nov 14, 2022
Little Known Facts is a weekly podcast hosted by stage and film actress Ilana Levine. This week's episode features Saidah Arrika Ekulona who talked about her stage and screen career, and more!
by Little Known Facts w/ Ilana Levine - Nov 14, 2022
Little Known Facts is a weekly podcast hosted by stage and film actress Ilana Levine. This week's episode features Saidah Arrika Ekulona who talked about her stage and screen career, and more!
Photo/Video: First Look at Rosie O'Donnell & More in Prime Video's A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN Series
by Michael Major - Jul 26, 2022
Watch the official trailer for the highly anticipated series A League of Their Own. The series features Rosie O'Donnell, who starred in the original film as Doris Murphy, Robert Colindrez (Fun Home) as Lupe, Molly Ephraim (Into the Woods) as Maybelle, and Chanté Adams (Skeleton Crew) as Max. Plus, check out a first photo of O'Donnell in costume.
by Michael Major - Jul 26, 2022
Watch the official trailer for the highly anticipated series A League of Their Own. The series features Rosie O'Donnell, who starred in the original film as Doris Murphy, Robert Colindrez (Fun Home) as Lupe, Molly Ephraim (Into the Woods) as Maybelle, and Chanté Adams (Skeleton Crew) as Max. Plus, check out a first photo of O'Donnell in costume.
VIDEO: Roberta Colindrez, Molly Ephraim & More Star in A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN Series Teaser
by Michael Major - Jun 7, 2022
A League of Their Own evokes the spirit of Penny Marshall's classic, while taking a deeper look at race and sexuality, following the journey of a new ensemble of characters as they carve their own paths towards the field, both in the league and outside of it. The series stars Roberta Colindrez (Fun Home), Molly Ephraim (Into the Woods), and more.
by Michael Major - Jun 7, 2022
A League of Their Own evokes the spirit of Penny Marshall's classic, while taking a deeper look at race and sexuality, following the journey of a new ensemble of characters as they carve their own paths towards the field, both in the league and outside of it. The series stars Roberta Colindrez (Fun Home), Molly Ephraim (Into the Woods), and more.
2022 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize Awarded to Benedict Lombe for LAVA
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 11, 2022
The 2022 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize has been awarded to U.K. playwright Benedict Lombe for her debut play Lava. In a special presentation at Shakespeare's Globe in London, the Blackburn Prize judges presented Lombe with a cash prize of $25,000, and a signed limited-edition print by renowned artist Willem de Kooning, created especially for the Prize.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 11, 2022
The 2022 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize has been awarded to U.K. playwright Benedict Lombe for her debut play Lava. In a special presentation at Shakespeare's Globe in London, the Blackburn Prize judges presented Lombe with a cash prize of $25,000, and a signed limited-edition print by renowned artist Willem de Kooning, created especially for the Prize.
The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize Announces 2022 Finalists
by Stephi Wild - Jan 31, 2022
The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize today announces 10 Finalists for its prestigious playwriting award, the oldest and largest prize awarded to women+ playwrights - now in its 44th year .
by Stephi Wild - Jan 31, 2022
The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize today announces 10 Finalists for its prestigious playwriting award, the oldest and largest prize awarded to women+ playwrights - now in its 44th year .
Hugh Dancy, Kathleen Chalfant, Noah Galvin, and More Join THE 24 HOUR PLAYS on June 29
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 29, 2021
The 24 Hour Plays: Viral Monologues will premiere on Tuesday, June 29th, with an all new series of unforgettable performances.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 29, 2021
The 24 Hour Plays: Viral Monologues will premiere on Tuesday, June 29th, with an all new series of unforgettable performances.
Jason Butler Harner, Saidah Arrika Ekulona, Robert Cuccioli & More to Star in PARADISE LOST Presented by Red Bull Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 1, 2021
Today, Red Bull Theater announced the first public presentation of a new dramatization of John Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost, adapted and directed by Michael Barakiva. Presented in two parts, this event will feature Jason Butler Harner, Saidah Arrika Ekulona, Stephen Bel Davies, Sheldon Best, Gisela Chípe, Robert Cuccioli and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 1, 2021
Today, Red Bull Theater announced the first public presentation of a new dramatization of John Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost, adapted and directed by Michael Barakiva. Presented in two parts, this event will feature Jason Butler Harner, Saidah Arrika Ekulona, Stephen Bel Davies, Sheldon Best, Gisela Chípe, Robert Cuccioli and more.
Noah Galvin, James Lapine and More Collaborate In Return Of THE 24 HOUR PLAYS: VIRAL MONOLOGUES
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 16, 2020
The 24 Hour Plays: Viral Monologues made a triumphant return last night with their nineteenth all-new edition! A group of stage and screen's finest writers and actors came together (virtually, of course) to write, rehearse, perform and produce 14 original pieces in just 24 hours.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 16, 2020
The 24 Hour Plays: Viral Monologues made a triumphant return last night with their nineteenth all-new edition! A group of stage and screen's finest writers and actors came together (virtually, of course) to write, rehearse, perform and produce 14 original pieces in just 24 hours.
Noah Galvin, James Lapine, Patrick Wilson and More Join Latest Edition of THE 24 HOUR PLAYS: VIRAL MONOLOGUES
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 15, 2020
The 24 Hour Plays: Viral Monologues are back tonight with an all-new edition! A group of stage and screen's finest writers and actors will come together (virtually, of course) to write, rehearse, perform and produce 15 original pieces in just 24 hours.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 15, 2020
The 24 Hour Plays: Viral Monologues are back tonight with an all-new edition! A group of stage and screen's finest writers and actors will come together (virtually, of course) to write, rehearse, perform and produce 15 original pieces in just 24 hours.
VIDEO: Santino Fontana, Ashley Park And More Star In THE 24 HOUR PLAYS: VIRAL MONOLOGUES
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 29, 2020
The 24 Hour Plays: Viral Monologues' seventh edition last night was one for the books! A group of the best actors in the business were paired with celebrated writers, who worked through Monday night to create unique pieces especially for them. From 6 PM on, 24 new monologues were published, one every 15 minutes.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 29, 2020
The 24 Hour Plays: Viral Monologues' seventh edition last night was one for the books! A group of the best actors in the business were paired with celebrated writers, who worked through Monday night to create unique pieces especially for them. From 6 PM on, 24 new monologues were published, one every 15 minutes.
VIDEO: Watch MOTHERHOOD OUT LOUD on STARS IN THE HOUSE
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 29, 2020
Stars in The House continues today (2pm) with Plays In The House: MOTHERHOOD OUT LOUD: Conceived by Susan R. Rose and Joan Stein (Jayne Atkinson, Andréa Burns, Saidah Arrika Ekulona, Michael Gill, Justin Guarini and Jane Kaczmarek) and tonight (8pm) for the 85th Annual New York Drama Critics' Circle Awards (Will Arbery, David Byrne, Adam Feldman, Jeremy O. Harris, Michael R. Jackson, Brian Stokes Mitchell, John Mulaney, Deirdre O'Connell, Heidi Schreck and Michael Shannon).
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 29, 2020
Stars in The House continues today (2pm) with Plays In The House: MOTHERHOOD OUT LOUD: Conceived by Susan R. Rose and Joan Stein (Jayne Atkinson, Andréa Burns, Saidah Arrika Ekulona, Michael Gill, Justin Guarini and Jane Kaczmarek) and tonight (8pm) for the 85th Annual New York Drama Critics' Circle Awards (Will Arbery, David Byrne, Adam Feldman, Jeremy O. Harris, Michael R. Jackson, Brian Stokes Mitchell, John Mulaney, Deirdre O'Connell, Heidi Schreck and Michael Shannon).
Santino Fontana, Rita Wilson and More Join THE 24 HOUR PLAYS: VIRAL MONOLOGUES
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 28, 2020
The 24 Hour Plays: Viral Monologues has an incredible lineup in store for its seventh edition tonight on IGTV @24hourplays and at https://24hourplays.com/viral-monologues/. A group of the best actors in the business have been paired with celebrated writers, who've worked through the night to create unique pieces especially for them.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 28, 2020
The 24 Hour Plays: Viral Monologues has an incredible lineup in store for its seventh edition tonight on IGTV @24hourplays and at https://24hourplays.com/viral-monologues/. A group of the best actors in the business have been paired with celebrated writers, who've worked through the night to create unique pieces especially for them.
Rubicon Theatre Co Extends WOMEN BEYOND BORDERS; Plus New Rotating Casts
by Julie Musbach - May 22, 2019
Rubicon Theatre of Ventura has announced a two-week extension of the company's World Premiere presentation of WOMEN BEYOND BORDERS, a funny, poignant and powerful new play about the shared experiences of women everywhere, inspired by the remarkable true journey of a small group of women artists who wanted to find a way to inspire change through creative expression.
by Julie Musbach - May 22, 2019
Rubicon Theatre of Ventura has announced a two-week extension of the company's World Premiere presentation of WOMEN BEYOND BORDERS, a funny, poignant and powerful new play about the shared experiences of women everywhere, inspired by the remarkable true journey of a small group of women artists who wanted to find a way to inspire change through creative expression.
Abby Mueller and Ben Jacoby Will Lead THE LAST FIVE YEARS in Montana
by Stephi Wild - Jan 30, 2019
The Warren Miller Performing Arts Center (Executive Director John Zirkle) in Big Sky Montana announced today it will present a limited engagement of Jason Robert Brown's award-winning musical THE LAST FIVE YEARS, directed by Jason McDowell-Green and starring Abby Mueller as Cathy and Ben Jacoby as Jamie. Mueller and Jacoby were recently seen together on Broadway in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, where the pair starred as Carole and Gerry Goffin, King's first husband.
by Stephi Wild - Jan 30, 2019
The Warren Miller Performing Arts Center (Executive Director John Zirkle) in Big Sky Montana announced today it will present a limited engagement of Jason Robert Brown's award-winning musical THE LAST FIVE YEARS, directed by Jason McDowell-Green and starring Abby Mueller as Cathy and Ben Jacoby as Jamie. Mueller and Jacoby were recently seen together on Broadway in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, where the pair starred as Carole and Gerry Goffin, King's first husband.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Saidah Arrika Ekulona been in?
Saidah Arrika Ekulona has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.
How many West End shows has Saidah Arrika Ekulona been in?
Saidah Arrika Ekulona has not appeared in the West End.
What awards has Saidah Arrika Ekulona been nominated for?
Outstanding Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Ruined, Performance (Obie Awards) for Ruined, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Ruined and Outstanding Lead Actress (The Lortels) for Ruined.
What awards has Saidah Arrika Ekulona won?
Saidah Arrika Ekulona has won the Obie Award for Performance for Ruined and the Outstanding Lead Actress award from The Lortels for Ruined.
Videos