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Join Kimber Lee and Justine Themen as they delve into the recurring themes in their work and why these issues are significant to them. We discuss the challenges they've faced when advocating for better practices within theatre institutions and strategies for addressing resistance to necessary changes. They share valuable lessons learned from past projects and how these experiences shape their current approach to making theatre. Finally, they offer advice to fellow Global Majority theatre makers on navigating the creative process within a predominantly white industry. 

Guests Gail Babb and Sameena Hussain join us as we explore their visions of decolonised theatre—how it looks, feels, and differs from the current industry landscape. We discuss the qualities they seek in collaborators and strategies for building teams that align with their artistic vision and values. Delving into the debate on whether location should impact artistic opportunities, we envision the future of the industry in terms of inclusivity and representation over the next decade. Finally, we explore where they find joy amidst the challenges and triumphs of their creative journeys. 

Join Karim Khan and Rani Moorthy as they share insights into their creative processes for developing theatre, their approaches to storytelling and character development, and examples of successful decolonising practices they've witnessed or been a part of. We delve into the complexities of storytelling and the ethical considerations around representing others' stories, explore the value of multidisciplinary art in the UK context, and discuss strategies for handling the pressures of success. Finally, we explore the sensitive process of unpacking and addressing trauma in their work, aiming for a respectful and healing impact on audiences and themselves.  

Episode Five sees two incredible humans, Milli Bhatia and Mojisola Adebayo, discuss their sources of inspiration, the integration of cultural backgrounds and personal experiences into their work, and the necessary structural changes to better serve Global Majority artists. We also explore the impact of decentralising dramaturgy and literary departments and reflect on career-changing advice that has shaped their creative journeys. 

In this episode, Testament and Jay Zorenti Nakhid join us to discuss the fundamental role of rediscovering one's history and culture in the movement for decolonisation. We explore the dream model for theatre, sources of joy, the implications of the term 'Global Majority,' and whether the location of your work matters. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about the future of theatre. 

Kane Husbands and Nathan Powell join us to explore the concept of leadership in theatre, the challenges of 'serving' artists and audiences, personal definitions of success, and their goals. We also delve into examples of quality work and discuss what they enjoy making in the ever-evolving theatre landscape. 

In this episode, we discuss whether the British theatre scene is overly literary and how this focus affects the development of global forms of storytelling in the UK. Filled with epic insights from guests Vinay Patel and Izzy Rabey; you don’t want to miss this one. 

We kick-off the new season with Tamasha’s Artistic Director, Pooja Ghai, and legendary director and maker Dermot Daly. Join us as we unpack the meanings and implications of decolonial practices in theatre, explore whether Global Majority artists have the spaces to dream and develop, highlight exemplary practices in the industry, and discuss the importance of setting boundaries to protect creative spaces. 

Welcome to a very special Season Three of TELL DEM – the podcast from Tamasha by Global Majority artists and practitioners.  Following the success of two incredible seasons, we are back with two new hosts, directors Gitika Buttoo (she/her) and Beth Kapila (she/her) who will dig deep into Tamasha's ground-breaking intervention dedicated to decolonial practices in theatre: SHIFT.   Lock in to TELL DEM for inspiring stories, candid discussions, and a front-row seat to the dreaming of a decolonial theatre industry. We'll explore how international, and non-Eurocentric voices and innovative approaches and forms are transforming the training and creation of theatre. Join us for bold and honest conversations about the industry's most challenging topics, as we spotlight the perspectives and achievements of makers of Global Majority heritage, celebrate their creative brilliance and discover how they're revolutionising theatre. Take your seat, get comfy and listen now. 

Publishing powerhouse and managing director of Dialogue Books, Sharmaine Lovegrove, presents episode 6 - The War on Woke. Alongside guests Chino Odimba (writer and Artistic Director of Tiata Fahodzi) and Melz Owusu (artist, activist, academic and founder of the Free Black University), they discuss Wokeness, cancel culture, and its impact on theatre, arts and culture - all in 50 minutes! They take a special look at Zodwa Nyoni’s hit play The Darkest Part of the Night, and Ayishat Akanbi's compelling video - "The Problem with Cancel Culture”. 

For Episode Five we take an in-depth and personal look at the current representations that are widely seen and accepted in the Media today about the Religion of Islam and those who are Muslim. Writer and broadcaster, Yassmin Abdel-Magied hosts and is joined by Joint CEO of Shubbak, Alia Alzougbi, and writer and filmmaker, Elias Suhail. They delve into the complexities of misrepresentation before further exploring the text, Muslim and the Media by Hilary E.Khan.  

British-Malaysian-Chinese-Manx writer, director, maker and sometimes-performer, Jude Christian, hops into the host seat this week. She’s joined by actor Jassa Ahluwalia and Blue Peter presenter, Richie Driss. The trio explore what it means to identify as Mixed Race in Britian today, with personal and professional experiences and how those experiences have shaped them today. There’s also a deep dive into Jassa’s TED Talk, Both Not Half: How Language Shapes Identity.  

For Episode Three we have Algerian-British storyteller, Roann Hassani McCloskey in the host seat. Joining Roann is actor, singer and voice over artist Nadia Nadif, and together they explore the absence of North African voices in the Arts sector - in particular those of the Maghreb. They delve into the world of British Theatre and the lack of North African stories available to us on those stages. The conversation also takes a deeper look into Disney+ series Oussekine, the first major Algerian production on a mainstream streaming platform.   ***************  ROANN MCCLOSKEY  Roann McCloskey is an Algerian-British storyteller. Her work includes her 2019 award-winning sell-out, one-woman show, My Father the Tantric Masseur – an autobiographical exploration of sexuality, sexual trauma and familial relationships. Her second show, Who Murdered My Cat? shines a light on memory, its inconsistencies and its power in forming our identities. She is currently writing a semi-autobiographical comedy-drama TV series Lights, Camera, Couscous in which her Algerian mother, who informs so much of her creative work, has the starring role.   2021 saw Roann chosen for BBC London voices, participating in SAFAR film school for emerging Arab Filmmakers as well as having a piece on collective healing published in Dardishi's Zine.  Roann's writing finds the heart and humour that runs through tragedy, and centres around her curiosity and passion for bringing stories usually left at the margins to the centre where they belong.  Roann is an educational facilitator focussing on anti-oppression pedagogy and accountability. She also works as a script consultant and production challenger.   NADIA NADIF  Nadia Nadif is English, Irish and Moroccan.  She grew up in Colchester, Casablanca and Hull, which is where she did her Drama degree, and trained with National Youth Theatre.    Screen includes EastEnders, Comic Relief Sketches, The Secret World of Yarl’s Wood, Marshal’s Law (nominated for best sitcom) and Pusher.  Stage includes Heroes (Vault Festival, nominated for Outstanding New Work), Sundowning (Kali Theatre), The Scar Test (Soho Theatre), Macbeth (Voila Festival), Timon of Athens (Willow Globe Theatre), Catalina (Ovalhouse / Colchester Arts Centre), Unsung (Wilton’s Music Hall) and New Anatomies (BAC).    In addition to her career as an actor, singer and voice over, Nadia runs Untold Arts – a theatre and production company focussing on true stories from marginalised people, from history and the present day.  So far they have produced three new works – Lady Unknown by Lauren Johnson which had a sell-out run at the Dickens Museum, The Scar Test by Hannah Khalil which toured regionally and then transferred to Soho Theatre and was published by Methuen Drama, and Catalina by Hassan Abdulrazzak which, following successful runs at Ovalhouse and Colchester Arts Centre, is now being developed into a feature film with IFT Studios and the BFI.  She is also an associate with NYT, HistoryRiot, The Factory and Althea Theatre.   

Episode Two invites powerhouse Mei Mac as guest presenter, with multidisciplinary artist, Shiva Raichandani and critic and dramaturg, Frey Kwa Hawking. The trio give us insightful views on reviewing work in the arts, making work centred around joy, all things being queer in Britian, what it means to be Asian, holistic storytelling and honouring specificity. The conversation delves deep into the films created by Shiva, Peach Paradise and Queer Parivar.  

Episode One welcomes back South London's finest, Tobi Kyeremateng, as its guest presenter. Tobi’s joined by award-winning poet, playwright and curator, Inua Ellams, and artist and spatial practitioner, Amahra Spence. They talk about creative expression in the arts, what it means to exist in different spaces, shi**ing swans, friendship, radical honesty, choice, creating work that makes you feel good and the joy in making that work meaningful. The conversation was sparked by Tobi's article Congregation As An Act Of Joy: Why I believe Permanent Black Theatre Spaces Are A Necessity.