Initiative to diversify dramaturgy launched

Tamasha theatre company has announced a three-year national programme aiming to support new writing and rebalance a Eurocentric approach to dramaturgy.

It will build on Tamasha’s Developing Artists programme, enhancing regional commissioning, providing targeted support for writers, exploring creative engagement to transform communities and looking at how to better support the needs of Global Majority writers and audiences.

It is funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, which is granting £305,000 over three years.

Tamasha will work with producing venues across the UK on artist development initiatives and engagement programmes that respond to the specific needs of local artists and communities.

A new Tamasha Regional Associate role will be shared by Director Gitika Buttoo and Director and Dramaturg Beth Kapila, who will lead on devising and delivering the programme with regional partners.

“At a time of seismic challenges across the sector, this new initiative aims to redress systemic injustices in access to development and producing opportunities,” Tamasha’s Artistic Director Pooja Ghai said.

“Decolonising our approach to dramaturgy for our Global Majority writers is both long overdue and necessary. By embracing the multiple forms of storytelling from around the world we will empower Global Majority artists to play a dynamic, leading role in the recovery of our national arts ecology.”

Sonia Mehta, Grants Manager at the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, said the new programme “promises to interrogate and reset the structures in place that shape how theatre is made and programmed and by whom – making for a richer and more inclusive sector”.