Kali Theatre’s incoming leader to make company ‘more than a platform’ for new writers

Playwright AISHA ZIA is to join Kali Theatre, vowing to keep true to its mission that writers of South Asian descent are “seen and heard”.

Zia, whose plays have received accolades including a Scotsman Fringe First, is to become full-time artistic director from January next year, following the death of her predecessor in the role, HELENA BELL.

Bell had led Kali Theatre since 2016 until her death earlier this year, aged 64. She was known for interventions including the introduction of the London-based company’s Discovery programmes, which sought to draw out theatrical talent in the likes of Oldham, Leicester and Birmingham.

Zia expressed admiration for Bell’s legacy, saying: “I’m honoured to join Kali Theatre as its new artistic director and build on the remarkable work that has gone before. I want to pay tribute to my predecessor, Helena Bell, whose passing was such a profound loss to the theatre community.”

“My vision is for Kali to be more than a platform for new writers — I want it to be a home for leaders and theatre-makers, with Kali hubs across the UK,” she continued.

“My door will always be open. Together, we will create bold, ground-breaking work. My pledge is simple: we will be seen, and we will be heard.”