Tamasha New Writing is an intensive two-week course for aspiring Asian playwrights. Run in partnership with the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama, the course will take place from 3 - 17 September 2008 in central London.

As one of eight successful applicants, you will be trained in Tamasha's distinctive research-based approach to writing for theatre, whilst exploring a range of techniques and methodologies with our creative team. You will also benefit from individual support with your own writing; lectures from guest artists; group theatre trips; and networking opportunities.

Three of the eight participants from last year's course - Satinder Kaur Chohan, Avaes Mohammed and Raman Mundair - went on to receive bursaries from Tamasha to develop their writing further. A fourth, Emteaz Hussain, was offered a full commission as a direct result of her participation: we will be producing her first play, Sweet Cider, in the Autumn (see above).

This full time course is free to take part in, and you will also receive a weekly allowance towards lost earnings. In addition, participants from outside Greater London can apply for a reimbursement of relocation expenses. No formal qualifications are necessary. However, applicants must be able to demonstrate a strong desire to write professionally for theatre and be of South Asian background.

The application pack will be available shortly. To register your interest, please contact Zoe Cooper on admin@tamasha.org.uk. Please note that the deadline for applications will be 12pm on Friday 27 June 2008.

Sheema Mukherjee on board
for "Wuthering Heights"

Sitarist Sheema Mukherjee has been confirmed as Composer on Tamasha's forthcoming musical adaptation of Emily Brönte's Wuthering Heights. 

Classically trained, Sheema was brought up between Britain and India, and works across many styles and genres - from eastern and western classical music to jazz, pop and dance music.

She is a longstanding member of world music collective Transglobal Underground and has collaborated with the likes of Noel Gallagher and Courtney Pine. You can read more about Sheema and her work here.

Wuthering Heights has been adapted for the stage by Deepak Verma, transposing this timeless love story to the harsh desert landscape of Rajasthan. This lavish new musical will open in Spring 2009 before touring nationally. Stay tuned for more details.

Tamasha receives funding uplifts

We delighted to announce that London Councils has confirmed its continued support for Tamasha in a new 4-year funding agreement. Tamasha is one of a portfolio of organisations commissioned by London Councils to deliver arts and cultural activities to artists and audiences throughout London.

The news of our successful application comes just a few months after Arts Council England awarded Tamasha an uplift in funding at the beginning of the year. We are most grateful to both of our regular funders for this continued investment and support, which will provide Tamasha with a sound foundation for future growth.

These increases, however, still leave Tamasha's plans for the next four years with a substantial shortfall, and we will work hard to raise the remaining £90,000 p.a. that we require. If you would like to find out about how your company can sponsor one of our productions, or how you can become a Friend of Tamasha, please contact Alexander Leiffheidt on 020 7633 2277 or email alexander@tamasha.org.uk.

Contact Us

If you would like any more information on the above, or if you would prefer not to receive further updates from us, please email us or phone us on 020 7633 2270.

Tamasha gratefully acknowledges financial support from The John S Cohen Foundation; Coutts Charitable Trust; D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust; Esmée Fairbairn Foundation; The Fenton Arts Trust; Garfield Weston Foundation; The Peggy Ramsay Foundation; The Stanley Picker Trust; Unity Theatre Trust and Friends of Tamasha through the Tamasha Fund.

Tamasha is funded by Arts Council England and London Councils.