We believe that everyone has the right to live, work, and enjoy the rich culture of this country without fear or harm.

Recent outbursts of racist and Islamophobic violence across the country run counter to this belief and as a collective of Global Majority led organisations, we want to make our position and our work clear again in the face of these destructive voices of division.

Our primary concern at this time is to focus on making sure that our artists and audiences have access to spaces that help them feel cared for and safe. This work is not new for us, and this unseen labour has always been a part of what we do. However, now it feels more important than ever.

We would like to offer any artists, creatives, theatre-makers, and freelancers connected to any of our organisations, the opportunity to email, call or request time to share what they might be feeling. We are pooling our resources to ensure that we can offer access to a kind, friendly voice if you need it. Each of our organisations will be holding space for those that need care and connection.

The first of these spaces will be facilitated by Tara Theatre and New Earth Theatre today - Weds 7th Aug - at different times. Please get in touch with these organisations for more details.

Look out for information each organisation will be sharing in coming days and weeks to bring us together.

The reason why we exist is to enable theatre-makers, across the country, and at all stages of their careers, to keep telling the nuanced stories that challenge hate and division. The stories that bring people together, that allow empathy beyond tolerance, and that mean people see themselves and their experiences reflected back to them.

Lastly, we want to encourage those, particularly our peers in theatre, who consider themselves to be allies to use the right language. These are not protests. They are race riots. They are not about right of expression. It is Islamophobia, racism, and blatant discrimination. These outbursts leave fellow citizens and residents of this country living in fear of violence and hate. Language matters. If you are unsure about why some words alienate rather than support, you can get in touch with any of the organisations below by email, and we will be more than happy to respectfully have the conversation.

We are committed to keep working on how best to support our community of global majority theatremakers, and those in the wider Creative Industries.

In solidarity,

Tamasha

tiata fahodzi

New Earth Theatre

Tara Theatre

Beyond Face

Talawa Theatre Company