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Early in his acting career, Malick Bowens met the internationally acclaimed director Peter Brook, who invited him to join his theater company, ICTR (International Center for Theatrical Research). This encounter sparked a long-lasting collaboration that profoundly shaped Bowens' life and career. He remains actively engaged in the company's projects, exploring universal connections among the diverse forms of theatrical expression. His African heritage combined with his European experiences lends a unique dimension to his artistic contributions. This innovative and experimental approach has taken him to stages worldwide, performing for a wide array of audiences—from San Francisco to Stillwater Penitentiary in Texas, Native American communities in Minnesota, residents of impoverished neighborhoods in Mexico, New York, and London, to psychiatric patients in various countries and villagers in West Africa.
During his work with ICTR and Peter Brook, Bowens honed his skills in the Shakespearean tradition and mastered essential principles of improvisation and concentration. He underwent extensive voice and physical training and studied classical languages such as Greek and Latin. His professionalism and talent swiftly earned him roles on some of the world’s most prestigious stages: The Brooklyn Academy of Music and La Mama Theatre in New York; The Royal Court, Round House, and Almeida Theatre in London; Les Bouffes du Nord and Théâtre de la Ville in Paris; Teatro Olimpico and La Pyramide in Rome; Porta Romana in Milan; Schaubühne in Berlin; and Nimrod Theatre in Sydney.
While maintaining his stage career, Malick Bowens also ventured into film and television. He is remembered for his portrayal of the charismatic steward Farah Aden in the twelve-Oscar-winning film Out of Africa (directed by Sydney Pollack, co-starring Robert Redford and Meryl Streep). His notable film appearances include roles in The Believers with John Schlesinger and Martin Sheen, Bopha with Morgan Freeman and Danny Glover, the Oscar-winning documentary When We Were Kings directed by Taylor Hackford, Outbreak with Wolfgang Petersen and Dustin Hoffman, Ali with Will Smith and Michael Mann, and Tears of the Sun alongside Bruce Willis. His versatility and passion for experimentation naturally led him to the American independent film scene, where he appeared in Menage a Trois with Sigourney Weaver and Mary Alice, and participated in the Sundance Institute's Work in Progress program, encouraged by Robert Redford.
Among his numerous television roles, two stand out: his part in the series Tarzan (produced by Worldvision) and the film The March (BBC and A&E). The latter, directed by David Wheatley and written by William Nicholson, is regarded as a significant political film addressing the harrowing journeys of sub-Saharan migrants heading to Europe—a narrative that remains deeply relevant today.
In both his professional and personal life, Malick Bowens exhibits an unwavering curiosity for the arts and a strong desire for collaboration and involvement in experimental projects. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and ideas through workshops, universities, and academic institutions. He frequently supports nonprofit organizations focused on introducing new technologies for agricultural development in drought-affected regions and groups seeking solutions to the plight of child soldiers worldwide. His commitment to humanitarian and environmental causes, along with his sensitivity to human suffering and social injustice, has enabled him to connect with prominent figures such as Nobel laureates Wole Soyinka and Toni Morrison; Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu; Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais; influential Chicano leader Cesar Chavez; poet Ted Hughes; and actors Robert Redford, Martin Sheen, Morgan Freeman, and Taylor Hackford—individuals who share his belief that talent and fame can be powerful forces in advancing human rights.
