Helena Bell, who led Kali Theatre from 2016 until her death at 64, passionately worked to elevate marginalized voices in the arts. She believed in the political power of theatre and initiated the Discovery programme to spotlight new South Asian women playwrights. This program not only showcased selected writers through performances but also offered constructive feedback to all participants. Bell aimed to combat the London-centric bias in the theatre world, launching similar initiatives in various UK cities. Her dedication contributed to a significant collection of play excerpts, thus further enriching the representation of South Asian narratives in theatre.
Helena Bell believed that all theatre should be political, dedicating her life to unearthing stories from silenced writers, regardless of class, race, gender or sexuality.
Through the Discovery program, she aimed to discover new South Asian women playwrights, ensuring even unsuccessful writers received detailed feedback to help them develop.
Helena flattened hierarchies in rehearsal rooms, creating an inclusive environment where everyone's voice was welcomed, fostering creativity and collaboration among diverse talents.
She was also critical in launching Discovery programs outside London, actively countering the London-centric bias in British theatre and fostering inclusivity.
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