Today we are speaking with Laura Dickens, a current student on the Creative Producing, MA course about her experience working on the Kali Theatre 30th Birthday online Symposium.
How and why did you get involved?
I got involved with working on the Kali Theatre on their 30th Birthday online Symposium through my Course Leader, Jessica Bowles. This spectacular event was created to mark 30 years of championing South Asian women writers across the British theatre landscape. Kali Theatre held the symposium on 24 June and explored some of the key issues facing women writers of South Asian descent.
The reason that I wanted to work on this project is because women led theatre and new writing are my practice interests. Plus, Kali Thatre are based at my local theatre, The Albany Theatre in Deptford, so it felt like a good match.
What are you currently getting up to?
My placement was over 4 months, from March until June 2021. Initially, I researched and engaged with online platforms and digital delivery companies. I then identified and worked with partner theatre’s Artistic Directors and their nominated writers from all over the UK to formalise their participation in the symposium and suggest ways in which they could continue legacy work regionally.
I was a key conduit between Kali Theatre and with The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. I was a part of the team that was working to arrange for our incoming Principal, Josette Bushell-Mingo, to take part in the symposium. I also contributed to writing marketing copy to promote the event, contributed to breakout room themes, provocations and was a rapporteur during the symposium.
How have your projects related to your coursework?
My work with Kali Theatre was a part of the Practices Unit on the Creative Producing, MA. This is the point in the course that we work in the field in order to further situate our practice and learn soft and hard producing skills.
What has surprised you most about your experience?
Owing to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, I have carried out my whole placement without actually meeting any of my placement hosts. This in itself has been surprising.
I have also been surprised at how emotional I was on the day of the symposium, watching all these amazing women speaking. The joy of the event was a surprise!
Watch the key sessions from the Kali Theatre symposium on 24 June below
How did you find out about Central and decide to study with us?
I found out about The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and the Creative Producing, MA course by word of mouth.
What are you planning to do after graduation?
I am a mature student and have previously worked in Theatre, Film and TV for many years, mainly in casting. After graduation I plan to secure a senior management producing position in a theatre or theatre company. I would also like to continue to produce and cast my own female led work.
Laura is happy to hear from writers / artists interested in her work. If you would like to get in touch, you can follow her on Twitter @lauradickens.
You can follow Kali Theatre on Twitter @KaliTheatreUK, Instagram @kalitheatreuk and learn more about Kali Theatre and access the Kali Theatre Symposium digital content on their website.
