Tell Dem: Season Three – a SHIFT Special
Hosted by Tamasha, in partnership with Transmission Roundhouse
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. Featuring a plethora of incredible guests, including Milli Bhatia, Gail Babb, Dermot Daly, Kimber Lee, Vinay Patel, and many more.
Season Three trailer
EP1: Decolonise and Dismantle – Creating Spaces to Dream
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.
EP2: Literary Learnings – The Impact on Global Storytelling
In this episode, we explore whether British theatre is too focused on literature and how that emphasis influences the evolution of global storytelling forms in the UK. Featuring powerful insights from stage and screenwriter Vinay Patel, and bilingual director, applied theatre facilitator, and music maker Izzy Rabey—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
EP3: Leading the Way – Redefining Success in 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.
EP4: Rediscovery and Revolution – The Future of Theatre
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.
EP5: Inspiration and Integration – Empowering Global Majority Artists
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.
EP6: Journeys in Creativity – Stories of Decolonisation and Multidisciplinary Art
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.
Ep7: Envisioning Decolonised Theatre – Collaborations, Evolution, and Joy
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.
Ep8: Exploring Themes and Advocating for Change in Theatre
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.