Tamasha New Writing

This intensive two-week course for eight established or emerging British Asian writers* seeks to act as a bridge into professional practice.

Led by Sudha Bhuchar and playwright and director Philip Osment, the course will give participants the opportunity to explore the Tamasha's innovative research-based approach to writing: developing texts from real people and communities, literature, and using the actor as a resource.  Participants will learn about a range of methodologies, including personal histories, the verbatim model, transliteration, as well as structure for playwriting. Participants will also have the chance to focus on their own writing with individual mentoring.

The course includes group visits to new writing productions, as well as open lectures and panel discussions with leading theatre practitioners. In previous years, guests have included Stephen Jeffries, Kwame Kwei-Armah, Louise Wallinger, Debbie Tucker Green, William Dalrymple, Christopher Hampton, Tim Supple and Melly Still.

Three participants from the 2006 course - Satinder Kaur Chohan, Avaes Mohammed and Raman Mundair - went on to receive Development Commissions from Tamasha to develop their writing further. A fourth, Em Hussain, was offered a full commission as a direct result of her participation: her play Sweet Cider was produced by Tamasha at the Arcola Theatre in October 2008.  From Tamasha New Writing 2008, Ishtiaq Ahmed Din has been offered a Development Commission to work on his play set in a snooker hall, inspired by scenes developed during the course.

Since then, Satinder, Avaes, Ishtiaq and Em have all been offered full commissions - to read more about these works-in progress click here.

Who is it for?

No formal qualifications are necessary to apply for this course.  Applicants must, however, be able to demonstrate a strong desire in pursuing a career in writing professionally for theatre, and be of a South Asian background*.

Date

The next course will take place in September 2010 in London.

Cost

This full-time course is offered free to successful applicants. You will receive a weekly allowance towards lost earnings, and participants from outside Greater London can also apply for an additional reimbursement of relocation expenses.

How to apply

If you would like to be notified when the application process opens, please join the Tamasha Developing Artists programme by sending an email to info@tamasha.org.uk with your name, address, telephone number and current CV. 

*Section 34 7.2 and 37 of the Race Relations Act 1976 applies to this initiative.

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