The partnership with RHP will not just develop shows but develop the infrastructure for Black and Brown artists and their work. This will be done through bringing an independent company into a structured co-producing and presenting partnership with venues nationwide. RHP will work with local partner Touchstones (Rochdale) and national partners Birmingham REP, Derby Theatre, and The Northcott (Exeter). Together they will identify relevant artists across Britain, support the development of artistic projects and platform the work with this touring consortium. The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama will conduct research with artists, partners and audiences to assess impact and evaluate the producing model. This work has been made possible thanks to core funding from partners and project grant funding from Arts Council England.
Rafia Hussain Productions is a producer-led production company that develops new plays, performance art and musicals that focus on Black and Brown stories. These are voices and experiences currently under-resourced and under-represented on British stages. The company will also prioritise developing and nurturing local artists in Rafia’s hometown of Rochdale, with workshops, training and structured paid placements to develop their craft and provide entry routes into careers in theatre.
The company’s first piece of work will be “Four Dholis and a Divorce” – a work-in-progress, playing at HOME on 7th and 8th February as part of PUSH Festival 2025 and the company is piloting “Future Rochdale Theatre Makers” from January – July this year for early career artists.
Want to support? RHP – will be recruiting Directors to support Rafia to develop the organisation and achieve its mission in the next few months. Please get in touch with Rafia for an informal chat about the role.
Rafia Hussain (Founder & Artistic Director) said “Black and Brown artists should be invested in properly, our stories deserve to be told and this is about doing just that. I am so pleased to be working with such dedicated and supportive people and partners to do this and I can’t wait to see the work meet audiences in the coming years.”
Sarah Brigham (CEO and Artistic Director, Derby Theatre) said: “Derby Theatre is delighted to be partnering with Rafia Hussain Productions on this vital new initiative. Championing and investing in Black and Brown artists is essential for the industry and we are proud to support a company dedicated to amplifying these voices. We look forward to working together to bring these important stories to audiences across the UK.”
For more information, visit Rafia Hussain Productions | Black & Brown Plays, Art and Musicals