An Earlsfield theatre has been recognised for its work helping to support refugee communities and amplifying the voices of asylum seekers.
Tara Theatre became London’s first and only Theatre of Sanctuary after being granted the award by the Arts Stream of Sanctuary in June.
The theatre earned the recognition through a combination of art, charitable work, and community initiatives which demonstrate its commitment to creating a welcoming culture for sanctuary seekers.
Artistic director, Abdul Shayek said: “This recognition is truly fundamental to our impact and relationship with our local, national, and global communities.
“To share this with the world during a month where tragically hundreds perished in European waters is important.
“It shouts loud and proud that we are here, and we are offering sanctuary to those escaping challenges caused by war, climate change, sexual orientation, or political circumstances.”
Since Shayek’s appointment in 2020, Tara Theatre has increased efforts to drive change and increase diversity within UK theatre, marking a return to its roots in political activism.
The theatre was founded in 1977 by a group of young Wandsworth residents seeking to promote social change in response to the brutal murder of Sikh man Gurdip Singh Chaggar the previous year.
Since those early days, the theatre has continued to focus on telling the stories of South Asian artists.
In light of contemporary discourse concerning migration, Shayek embraced these activist origins and has worked to create politically charged theatre centring the voices and experiences of refugees and asylum seekers.
The artistic director has held up a mirror to Britain’s colonial past, working with Bangladeshi diaspora communities in London to tell their stories on the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence in 2021’s Dawaat, and exploring the testimonies of people living under the final days of British rule in India in 2022’s Silence.
The theatre has also facilitated international collaborations, with artistic associate Natasha Kathi-Chandra’s co-creation project Artists Make Space partnering seven Bangladesh-based artists with UK-based creators to explore issues such as migration and gender disparity through art.
The Theatre of Sanctuary Award also recognises Tara Theatre’s work supporting refugee communities in south west London, which includes weekly coffee afternoons offering sanctuary-seekers food, drink and a safe space in the theatre’s studio.
Kathi-Chandra has been instrumental in driving this work, which is the result of a partnership forged between the theatre and Tooting-based refugee charity, CARAS (Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers).
She said: “As we continue to evolve at Tara Theatre, our communities grow stronger and more effective in advocating for change, representation, and a better world.
“To be awarded Theatre of Sanctuary is an honour and bold step in a supportive and equitable direction.
“Let’s keep evolving and revolutionising inclusion and access for everyone, reiterating that this is a journey not a race and remembering the power of standing united in the face of adversity.”
Through this work, Tara Theatre has met the Theatre of Sanctuary Award’s criteria which centre on learning what it means to be seeking sanctuary, taking positive action to support and include refugees, and raising awareness of the positive contribution they make to society.
The theatre received the award this year alongside Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Readings Rank & File Theatre and Leeds based theatre company Mafwa Theatre.
According to its website, Tara Theatre is looking forward to expanding its work with South Asian diaspora communities across the UK, and hopes it can continue to offer peace, warmth and community for years to come.
Featured image credit: Harry Elletson
