Kali Theatre seeks out and nurtures talented women and non-binary writers of South Asian descent, bringing their experience and stories to audiences from all backgrounds in thought provoking plays that diversify UK theatre to better reflect contemporary Britain.

Our Arts Council England NPO funding has recently been extended for another 3 years and we will soon be embarking on an exciting period of development with new projects to build on our past successes, expand our reach and raise our profile.

We are seeking people to join our Board of Trustees who oversee the company’s artistic and management direction and development.  We’d like to hear from people who have relevant knowledge, particularly of fundraising, communications, theatre practice or arts management.

Most of all you need an enthusiasm for theatre and to share our commitment to developing and championing women and non-binary playwrights of South Asian descent to increase their representation within UK theatre.  We are particularly interested to hear from women of South Asian descent.

Further details below on the responsibilities of the Board and the duties of a Trustee.   To arrange an informal Zoom chat about it with the Chair or Artistic Director please contact General Manager, Chris Corner chris@kalitheatre.co.uk

Kali Theatre works to

• Inspire, develop and support women and non-binary writers of South Asian descent
• Present high quality productions of their plays that challenge audience’s perceptions
• Reach new audiences, especially people with a South Asian background
• Provide leading roles for British South Asian actors and showcase their skills
• Diversify the work onstage in mainstream theatres across the UK
• Extend our reach through regional, national and international partnerships

Our Work   Kali is not afraid to explore challenging social and political issues in its plays. Past subjects have included genetically modified crops, drug treatment of mental illness, sham marriages, women led societies, and British attitudes towards Muslims.

Many of our writers have gone on to write for other theatres and/or TV, film & radio – making a much needed contribution to increasing diversity within UK drama writing.

Our work increases opportunities for South Asian women to work in theatre in creative leadership roles.  Our performances increase representation by showcasing South Asian actors in non-stereotypical roles.

To mark 30 years of our work last year, Methuen published a book of 30 extracts from Kali plays.

Programme

• Annual Production and tour of a new play.  Next autumn we will present Phantasmagoria – a chilling horror story and an exciting piece of political theatre for our time
• Festival – A bi-annual new play development programme culminating in a week of script-in-hand performances showcasing experienced writers.  Next March we will present five new international themed plays
• Discovery A bi-annual six month programme supporting 12 grassroots writers in London and two regional hubs, culminating in public showcases of play readings of their work
• Dramaturg Training for women of South Asian descent – the first of its kind in the UK
• LGBTQI+ Writer Workshops exploring issues around work with LGBTQI+ themes

Board Responsibilities   All board members are expected to contribute their individual skills and knowledge to the collective duties of the Board to:

• Ensure the company defines clear goals and regularly evaluates its artistic and management performance against these
• Review and ratify the company’s overall artistic and management policies and procedures
• Ensure the company complies with the requirements of Companies House, the Charity Commission, employment law and other relevant legislation
• Ensure the company complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Ensure the company is financially viable
• Appoint the Artistic Director and the General Manager, approve their job descriptions, monitor their performance and carry out a regular review/appraisal of each
• Establish and conduct senior staff recruitment and disciplinary procedures as required.
• Ensure that the day to day management of the company is effective and efficient
• Safeguard the reputation and ethos of Kali Theatre

All board members must have:

• A commitment to furthering Kali Theatre’s mission and aims
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to fulfill the obligations of a board member
• A willingness to understand the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a trustee
• Integrity, independent judgement and a willingness to express that

Board Meetings  Board members must be able to attend least three of the quarterly board meetings -usually held on Tuesday evenings in March, June, September and December.

These are in London but we would be happy to engage new members from outside London or those that find it difficult to travel – via Zoom.

We hold a biannual board ‘Awayday’ meeting, normally on a Saturday morning in central London, which we ask all board members to attend.

Trustees/Directors  Kali is a company and charity.  Board members are both directors of the company and trustees of the charity.

The role is voluntary, but agreed expenses can be reimbursed.

To apply please send your CV together with around 200words about yourself, your interests and why you would like to contribute to the company’s stewardship to Chris Corner, General Manager  chris@kalitheatre.co.uk     Deadline 31 January 2023

Without any obligation, selected candidate board members will meet with the Board Chair Allison McFayden and Artistic Director, Helena Bell.   They will then be invited to attend a regular board meeting as an observer where they will meet the other trustees and have an opportunity to tell the board about themselves and ask questions.