SHIFT
Global stories, told on their own terms
SHIFT is Tamasha’s decolonial dramaturgy practice.
It’s an approach built on celebration and dissent: we celebrate the impact global perspectives have on our national narrative, and challenge the Eurocentric commissioning and dramaturgical conventions in British theatre that have historically sidelined them.
A message from Tamasha Artistic Director and Co-CEO, Pooja Ghai
The story behind SHIFT
The British theatre sector produces overwhelmingly through a Eurocentric lens. This can be limiting and demoralising for Global Majority writers, who wish to explore form and subjects through their own cultural and lived experiences.
In 2023, we announced SHIFT, our commitment and embedded practice to rebalance a Eurocentric approach to dramaturgy across the UK, funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation. Our goal is to make theatre more anti-racist and accessible for Global Majority artists, and to embed long-term decolonial systemic change.
The process
Over the course of a year, we led a process of in-depth discovery to shape SHIFT. Through conversations with theatre makers, organisations and venues, we sought to better understand how we can work together to create parity for Global Majority artists.
It became clear that there is a need for:
- a network of dramaturgs who understand the cultural specificity of the stories being written.
- a commissioning process compassionate to the needs and barriers faced by Global Majority artists.
- theatres to connect with audiences and communities, to invite a wider diversity of stories.
“As a participant I felt really held and supported in the conversation, and it was a space to imagine – something we don’t get too often.”
Artist participant, R&D roundtable discussion
So… what is SHIFT?
SHIFT is about creating a deeper inclusive practice and decolonising current practices of commissioning, programming, and producing.
SHIFT will directly support Global Majority theatre makers through development and support, which will include dramaturgy roundtables, peer exchange opportunities with international artists, workshops, networking, research and development, and bursaries.
TELL DEM: the Tamasha podcast
Learn more about SHIFT in series three of TELL DEM, hosted by directors Gitika Buttoo and Beth Kapila.
Our Partners
We are proud to announce Belgrade Theatre (Coventry), Beyond Face and Bristol Old Vic as the first of our partners as SHIFT enters the next stage of strategies.
We are now collaborating with our partners, who are already demonstrably committed to change, to shape and deliver SHIFT.
Recruitment of further partners will continue.
“My focus with SHIFT is in decolonising infrastructure and systems, making truly long-term, sustainable change together.”
Corey Campbell – Creative Director, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry
“We are particularly interested in how we support the artists working in South West and their relationship to practices globally.”
Alix Harris – Artistic Director and CEO, Beyond Face
“This is a vital changemaking initiative and the work starts here; we can’t wait to get going.”
Nancy Medina – Artistic Director, Bristol Old Vic
