I am so grateful to Amy Leach for introducing me to the Associate Director of Leeds Playhouse, Sameena Hussain - and for the chance to join her workshop!

What does it mean to be a Director, and be kind? - The course was a mixture of large and smaller group discussions, independent tasks/reflections, games and exercises. All of this explored diversity within our small group and the wider cultural experience of theatre, discussing what accessibility and kindness means to us (coming from different cultural backgrounds, experience with disabilities, or neurodivergence). A process that challenged us to take on dilemmas and provided insight into how directing can make or break a project, or the actors.

It was a worthwhile and intense 5 days, which raised many questions about values, and practices that I will bring into my work.