New Producers Spotlight: Abigail Villarroel

As part of our New Producers 2025 series, we’re celebrating the brilliant creatives who are shaping the future of culture across the Black Country and beyond alongside China Plate Theatre.

Today, meet Abigail Villarroel — With roots in Venezuela and experience living around the globe, Abigail from Sandwell brings a bold, thoughtful perspective to the New Producers programme.

Carnival beginnings

“My very first cultural experiences were carnivals in Venezuela every February since I was quite young, age 5 probably!”

A love for iconic culture

“I can’t choose which my favourite events are but three main come to mind: Watching a production of Sondheim’s musical Passion in Manchester, seeing Madonna for her Celebration concert, and visiting The Courtauld Gallery seeing works by the likes of Cézanne and Matisse in person!
Why? In every occasion I felt like I was witnessing history, interacting with iconic works of theatre or paintings or popular culture generally.”

Why Abigail applied for New Producers

“An understanding that some of the most successful artists and creators are also the producers of their own events/exhibitions/projects. And in my own practice I’ve begun to see the need to become a producer and make things happen, instead of waiting for others to do it for me.”

What Abigail loves about the Black Country

“The artist communities of this region have been really welcoming and extremely nourishing to my art practice. They and the people I’ve met have been my favourite thing. I’ve met poets and spoken word artists who I really admire, artists who’ve been tremendously generous with their time and wisdom, as well as theatre makers full off amazing energy…”

Looking ahead: big dreams, bold steps

“In 5 year’s time I’d love to have build enough quality work and connections, to organise a solo show in London. And if I think big, I’d love to have an international exhibition somewhere relevant.”

And finally, a fun fact…

“Random fact… I’ve lived all over the place, including Venezuela, Qatar, Argentina, Japan.”

Abigail is well and truly global in outlook, local in connection, and rooted in a strong sense of self-determination, qualities we’re excited to see continue growing through New Producers 2025!