When Natasha Kathi-Chandra took the helm as Artistic Director of Tara Theatre in early 2024, she didn't just inherit a building; she inherited a mission to "examine, grow, and elevate" the South Asian canon. Now, as she rounds off her inaugural year, that mission finds its most vibrant expression yet in a bold revival of Atiha Sen Gupta’s "What Fatima Did..." directed by Adam Karim.
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| What Fatima Did Tara Theatre Young Company. Photo by Mathushaa Sagthidas |
Originally written in 2009, Sen Gupta’s play—a provocative exploration of a party-loving teenager who suddenly decides to adopt the hijab—remains a searingly relevant look at identity, secularism, and the friction of British "values." But this isn't a mere museum piece. Under Kathi-Chandra’s leadership, the production has been revitalised for the 2026 stage, featuring a "refreshed" script developed in collaboration with the playwright and the Tara Theatre Young Company.
The production is a testament to Kathi-Chandra’s commitment to the next generation; Tara Theatre remains the only London venue to pay its Young Company, treating these emerging creatives not just as students, but as the future of the industry.
We caught up with Natasha to learn more about the company and the play.
This revival features new material devised with the Young Company. How has the perspective of Gen Z/Gen Alpha shifted the core 'British values' conversation compared to when the play was first written?
It’s been fascinating to observe how perspectives, understanding and interests have evolved for young people generationally. It has made me feel quite old when they’ve been asked to do research into iconic figures from the late 2000s like Gok Wan or even which song was popular in clubs like Pass Out by Tinie Tempah!
It’s been fascinating to observe how perspectives, understanding and interests have evolved for young people generationally. It has made me feel quite old when they’ve been asked to do research into iconic figures from the late 2000s like Gok Wan or even which song was popular in clubs like Pass Out by Tinie Tempah!
It's inspiring to see a room full of 18-25 year olds not afraid to challenge themselves and themes such as “British Values”, as well as to speak confidently about their interpretations of them. It has made for more dynamic, authentic and honest conversation. One where the only character in the play - Fatima, in the original text doesn’t have a voice - this version features a platform for her to respond.
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| Tara Theatre Young Company rehearses What Fatima Did... Photo by Tyler Fayose Photography |
You’re three years into the Young Company scheme. What has been the most surprising thing these young actors have taught you about how they want to be represented on stage?
I don’t feel that I have been surprised by anything, rather I have been inspired that all our cohorts of young people so far on the program have come in with such a commitment and generosity to learn, give and support each other. All these groups have gone on to make a tribe/ friends for life through the company. They continue to hold and support each other long after meeting at Tara Theatre - that’s what we need, and that is so inspiring!
I don’t feel that I have been surprised by anything, rather I have been inspired that all our cohorts of young people so far on the program have come in with such a commitment and generosity to learn, give and support each other. All these groups have gone on to make a tribe/ friends for life through the company. They continue to hold and support each other long after meeting at Tara Theatre - that’s what we need, and that is so inspiring!
How does centering the young person’s perspective in this production help attract a younger audience who might see 'political drama' as something academic rather than lived?
The two are not mutually exclusive, politics and academics informs and influences our daily lives. The future is that of our young people, not ours. Seeing their voices represented in an authentic and honest way , including their styles, music tastes, language and relationships, is what will keep them engaged in ways that maybe academia doesn’t always offer. We hope that through this world (theatre) it will inform how they will continue to evolve their lives and who knows? Maybe change the world - the future is theirs.
We’ve seen a few South Asian plays break into the mainstream recently. In your view, what is the barrier for the dozens of other brilliant writers who haven't received that same 'oxygen' or institutional backing?
There are many barriers but the two main ones in my opinion are that the sector continues to regard South Asian work as “risky” and like they are “ticking a box”. We have seen time and time again this being proven otherwise. Work through a South Asian lens challenges and sells; more and more people from culturally diverse backgrounds are coming to see this work.
There are many barriers but the two main ones in my opinion are that the sector continues to regard South Asian work as “risky” and like they are “ticking a box”. We have seen time and time again this being proven otherwise. Work through a South Asian lens challenges and sells; more and more people from culturally diverse backgrounds are coming to see this work.
We also want to continue to challenge the sector by advocating for not just one South Asian writer getting commissioned / produced every few seasons of work, or for the majority of the labour to fall on organisations like Tara Theatre to commission all the work. Now is the time for the change. Tastes have changed and we are seeing audiences more interested in culturally diverse work as this reflects an authentic current State of our Nation. The stories are no longer homogeneous, they are representing universal opinions.
Does Tara Theatre aim to bring these stories to the mainstream, or are you more focused on redefining what the 'mainstream' looks like from the ground up?
Definitely more focused on redefining, the system needs a revolution of who gets to decide what "mainstream" looks like. The battle remains from the ground up!
Definitely more focused on redefining, the system needs a revolution of who gets to decide what "mainstream" looks like. The battle remains from the ground up!
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| Director Adam Karim rehearses What Fatima Did... Photo by Tyler Fayose Photography |
Why was What Fatima Did… the right story to revive right now, rather than commissioning a brand-new piece on similar themes?
We are fast approaching a landmark anniversary for Tara Theatre and a key interrogation for us is the canon of British South Asian theatre. Revivals and remounts are seldom given to South Asian work, but they have important interrogations on what is currently happening locally and nationally.
We are fast approaching a landmark anniversary for Tara Theatre and a key interrogation for us is the canon of British South Asian theatre. Revivals and remounts are seldom given to South Asian work, but they have important interrogations on what is currently happening locally and nationally.
This decision was also led by our Young Companies. This cohort wanted to look at existing work and build skills on how to deconstruct scripts. Our previous cohorts worked on new writing through devising, which gives them the experience of a different skill set.
What we do with the Young Company every year is led by their needs and how we feel this program can impact them the most in launching and building their careers.
Beyond ticket prices, what are the invisible 'walls' that keep people out of the theatre, and how is Tara Theatre actively dismantling them?
One of our core values is co-creation, collaboration and embedding access in everything we offer.
One of our core values is co-creation, collaboration and embedding access in everything we offer.
Theatre spaces have not historically been inclusive of communities from diverse backgrounds or lower socioeconomic groups. From how people are received walking into a building to how the building feels, Tara Theatre is actively engaging various groups of people and making them feel this is their home - not just through our main house programming but also through various offers such as our playreading group, our community projects and artist development programs, most of which are free to attend /artists are paid to contribute. This we believe promotes integrity, respect and value, making people feel welcome and included in everything we do.
A key theme of the play is why we do what we do. How does that philosophy translate to your leadership style at Tara Theatre? Is the 'why' of the mission more important than the 'what' of the production?
Definitely. The Why should always precede the What, otherwise what is the point of anything!? Profound! We are constantly evaluating impacts and outcomes and how we can keep improving the offer.
Definitely. The Why should always precede the What, otherwise what is the point of anything!? Profound! We are constantly evaluating impacts and outcomes and how we can keep improving the offer.
The play asks, 'Is anyone even really listening?' Given the current political climate in 2026, do you feel theatre is one of the last places where people actually listen to one another?
I always have and always will believe in the power of theatre to start a conversation, challenge an opinion and make people question themselves. Theatre is an art form where audiences are directly engaged - we have to listen, we have to look, we have to feel for those minutes we are in there.
I always have and always will believe in the power of theatre to start a conversation, challenge an opinion and make people question themselves. Theatre is an art form where audiences are directly engaged - we have to listen, we have to look, we have to feel for those minutes we are in there.
What keeps you inspired?
My Tara team, the wealth of talent that comes through our doors year on year, my little boy. I am inspired to keep moving forward and advocating for these voices, to continue to deliver impactful change and to strive for a future where equity is the norm.
My Tara team, the wealth of talent that comes through our doors year on year, my little boy. I am inspired to keep moving forward and advocating for these voices, to continue to deliver impactful change and to strive for a future where equity is the norm.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing What Fatima Did…?
A fun and thoughtful evening out. A reminder of what has passed over the past few years and what is currently staring us in the face. Perhaps for people to think how important it is to vote in upcoming elections. Together, we can make a change.
A fun and thoughtful evening out. A reminder of what has passed over the past few years and what is currently staring us in the face. Perhaps for people to think how important it is to vote in upcoming elections. Together, we can make a change.
What Fatima Did… presented by Tara Theatre Young Company is at Tara Theatre 14-18 April 2026 www.taratheatre.com
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| Tara Theatre Young Company rehearses What Fatima Did... Photo by Tyler Fayose Photography |
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