Chai with Rai

Welcome to Chai with Rai.  The Podcast for the Creative in You!

If this isn't the most Musical episode then I don't know what is! I would like to set a challenge of counting how many impromptu singing moments there are in the episode and the correct answer gets a £10 Nando's Gift Card ;).  Such a joy discussing acting, music and entrepreneurship with Actor & Musician Kush Khanna.  Topics Breakdown:  Discussing Projects such as  - Lime Green/ Boogieman/ Temple/ Patiala HousePrep work for each of those films and to get into that space. Short films vs the big budget project that were Patiala and Boogieman. What was a challenge and a joy of working on those projects?How did Dirty Kit come about and Fashion as an extension. Barry’s - Director of fun? Explain that role and how it progressed and how its been a constant in your life now whilst you balance music and acting. Culture around Boutique fitness studios has changed so much how do you in marketing manage to make it still a household name? Sustainable ever since Covid. Rapid Response Questions:  A tip on being financial savvy?Go back to any role or project what would it be and why? And if you were asked to do a part 2/ expansion of it- input A great thing about being an artist in today’s social, cultural and economical and a challenging thing about it? Getting into the role- auditioning or when you have booked the job? And how to let go or sepearate yourself from it?A thing you would like someone to take away with them having met you for a brief second or known you for a long time?Your Favourite thing about yourself either as a creative or person and something you feel is a challenge and are working on?A thing you would like to impart somebody but you never got told ?Words to your mirror self today?3 things the creative culture could do with and or without?3 artists really admire their journey or would suggest in checking out their work What the Chai- 30 second rant about anything and everything however you must start or end your rant with the phrase "What the Chai?"Joyfulness- What's one thing that makes Jordi joyful and whats one thing he does for others that makes them feel joyful.  Notes: Artists/ organisations mentioned in the episode are: Chappel Roan, Sigrid and The Last Dinner Party.  To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.  Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest : https://www.instagram.com/kushting/?hl=en , https://twitter.com/kushting & https://www.youtube.com/user/Ankushion  Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  Guest: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3786050/ & https://open.spotify.com/artist/3VP9UNwEr1CtudkjirEU9s?si=uXxaE49RQ6KoBS-vSQMRSQ  Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.

I love a giddy chat and this was that!  Firstly, this episode is also available as Video so check that out now on Spotify and Youtube. Secondly, this is going to be a 2-parted episode because we had too much to talk about.  Soooooo- Enjoy part 1 with the beaut Actor and Musician Kush Khanna. Discussing all things music, family, friendships, spirituality and more.  Topics Breakdown:  Can you Improv Tho?-  x4 Quick Questions set to specific timers.Referencing Kush's "Imposter syndrome" mentioned in previous episodes and where that stems from? The duality of Kush's exuberance with his music.  First moment you were exposed to that made you go "Music is me". And a song or moment around music, that you have shared with your your Mum and Dad.  Being an Indie artist and the journey of that? Sustainability and marketing? Distribution? Song's you have done for all your projects.Relationship with music today and what the medium has taught you vs what you have learnt from it?The connection to self and spirituality. Process to songwriting and Kush's style of music.  To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.  Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest : https://www.instagram.com/kushting/?hl=en , https://twitter.com/kushting & https://www.youtube.com/user/Ankushion  Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  Guest: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3786050/ & https://open.spotify.com/artist/3VP9UNwEr1CtudkjirEU9s?si=uXxaE49RQ6KoBS-vSQMRSQ  Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.

Firstly, I am on a hunt for a new Chai recipe so erm please can you slide into the DM's and let me know of any new recipe's and flavours to try.  Secondly! What a joy to get to talk with the cast & crew from the play "Permission" at The Space in London. We discussed all things representation, ACE Funding, reflections on the play and its content but also the approach to writing and acting - as well team work.  A lot of nuggets in this one and a massive thank you to Hunia Chawla, Anisa Butt and Rea Malhotra Mukhtyar.  Topics Breakdown:  Can you Improv tho (Warm up games set to short timers). How was the process? How you feel that its over? What is th next life for the project?Discussing what changed from its first moment at Camdens People Theatre to the last iteration at The Space? Handling the conversation in the room and balance of roles/ voice. Discussing the feminine voice of the piece. Thoughts or advice on collating a team for projects that are close to the creatives experience. ACE Funding and market strategies. Getting into the world of the play.A tip on being financial savvy?Go back to any role or project what would it be and why? And if you were asked to do a part 2/ expansion of it- input. A great thing about being an artist in today’s social, cultural and economical and a challenging thing about it? Getting into the role- auditioning or when you have booked the job? And how to let go or sepearate yourself from it?A thing you would like someone to take away with them having met you for a brief second or known you for a long time?Your Favourite thing about yourself either as a creative or person and something you feel is a challenge and are working on?A thing you would like to impart somebody but you never got told ?Words to your mirror self today?A thing the creative culture could do with and or without?An artist you really admire their journey or would suggest in checking out their work ?What the Chai- 30 second rant about anything and everything however you must start or end your rant with the phrase "What the Chai?"Joyfulness- What's one thing that makes you joyful and whats one thing he does for others that makes them feel joyful. 3 words ( one word for each of the questions asked) A word an artist should be, A word to describe what an artist should never compromise on and  a feeling an artist should impart on someone always.  Note: Artists mentioned in this episode are: Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan, Michaela Coel and Frankie Thompson.  To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.  Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest : https://www.instagram.com/honeyjamn/ , https://www.instagram.com/anisaaniiam/ & https://www.instagram.com/rea_mm/  Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  Guest: https://linktr.ee/honeyjam , https://linktr.ee/rea_mm & https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3442808/  Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.

Such a bold and beautiful chat with Director, Producer and Artist Jordi. M Carter on how culture and the industry shapes us. How we are working to find our identity and placement, how we can be in service to art and the artists.  Topics Breakdown:  When was the most euphoric or happiest you were in your job?Walk away Lessons learnt from the following: Young Vic Associates , Theatre Peckham Young and Boundless and how did opportunities in those spaces come to be? What about theatre and the arts excited you to be working in this industry ? Black Performance lab- Spirituality, culture, heritage work and facilitating that to non-black creatives/Transparent conversations around programming, better script work or craft work from directors, writer to actors and do you voice that? What your DYCP is about and finding on it ? And what is DYCP why it’s so competitive now and also a great opportunity for UK creatives ? Challenges and joys of decolonising work in theatre and creating your own space.  Rapid Response Questions:  A tip on being financial savvy?Go back to any role or project what would it be and why? And if you were asked to do a part 2/ expansion of it- input A great thing about being an artist in today’s social, cultural and economical and a challenging thing about it? Getting into the role- auditioning or when you have booked the job? And how to let go or sepearate yourself from it?A thing you would like someone to take away with them having met you for a brief second or known you for a long time?Your Favourite thing about yourself either as a creative or person and something you feel is a challenge and are working on?A thing you would like to impart somebody but you never got told ?Words to your mirror self today?3 things the creative culture could do with and or without?3 artists really admire their journey or would suggest in checking out their work?What the Chai- 30 second rant about anything and everything however you must start or end your rant with the phrase "What the Chai?"Joyfulness- What's one thing that makes Jordi joyful and whats one thing he does for others that makes them feel joyful.  Notes: Artists/ organisations mentioned in the episode are: Ntozake Shange, Lanre Malaolu, Benedict Lombe .  To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.  Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest : https://www.instagram.com/jordimcarter/  Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  Guest: https://salamander-sprout-59c2.squarespace.com/bio & https://creatorsprogram.youngvic.org/member/11771  Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.

The Final part with Gurkiran Kaur as we discuss Kundalini Yoga, South Asian work in UK theatre, voice and dialect coaching andddd of course GAMES! Topics Breakdown: Approach and pathway into Gurkiran's Voice/ Dialect Coaching.How does your practice challenge or Better you work as an actor? And do you feel like you have a balance of it sometimes? Even from a sustainable perspective? Transparent conversations around programming, better script work or craft work from directors, writer to actors and do you voice that?  Rapid Response Questions:  A tip on being financial savvy?Go back to any role or project what would it be and why? And if you were asked to do a part 2/ expansion of it- input A great thing about being an artist in today’s social, cultural and economical and a challenging thing about it? Getting into the role- auditioning or when you have booked the job? And how to let go or sepearate yourself from it?A thing you would like someone to take away with them having met you for a brief second or known you for a long time?Your Favourite thing about yourself either as a creative or person and something you feel is a challenge and are working on?A thing you would like to impart somebody but you never got told ?Words to your mirror self today?3 things the creative culture could do with and or without?3 artists really admire their journey or would suggest in checking out their work ?Your thoughts on the entertainment culture or theatre culture in general and a thing you would challenge the industry on?Sippa Chai or Play with Rai- Segmented Games Round.What the Chai- 30 second rant about anything and everything however you must start or end your rant with the phrase "What the Chai?"Joyfulness- What's one thing that makes Gurkiran joyful and whats one thing he does for others that makes them feel joyful.  Notes:  Artists/Organisations mentioned: Bush Theatre, Milli Bhatia and Lung Theatre.  To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.  Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest : https://www.instagram.com/gurkirank/ & https://x.com/gurkirank?lang=en-GB  Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  Guest: https://www.gurkirankaur.com/ & https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5019164/ Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.

This is going to be a two-parted episode as we had so much to talk on from voice coaching to the culture of British South Asian Theatre and more! Such a joy to speak with actor and Voice/Dialect Coach Gurkiran Kaur .  Topics Breakdown: Can you Improv though-Warm up games set to 4 timing settings. How did she get into acting and where did that passion stem from?Difference mentally, financially and experience wise from first acting gig to most recent?The pivoting into Voice/Dialect coaching.Finding placement in a project as an actor and as a coach. How the process of voice/dialect coach works on a production. How do you feel productions could better utilise the work that you do or pay more attention to it. Whether that is from directors or Writers or producers?The work Gurkiran has done within British South Asian Theatre. To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.  Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest : https://www.instagram.com/gurkirank/ & https://x.com/gurkirank?lang=en-GB  Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  Guest: https://www.gurkirankaur.com/ & https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5019164/ Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.

It all went down in the underworld! From discussing spirituality, placement of your craft as an artist, career trajectory, mindset of being a creative. To the love for the exquisite premium vanilla that is Taylor Swift and everything in between. T'was a joy to share a cuppa with the exuberant soul that is Zachary James.  Topics Breakdown:  Can you Improv though-Warm up games set to 4 timing settings. Hadestown-  Where do you find the heart/ the empathy point? How do you approach when creating the world of the play and the world of your role and what becomes your boundary? Discussing the culture and the weight around a transfer of a role especially when you have seen the show. Finding your role and placement within an ensemble cast and how to be generous but also own the space and do the work. How was the sitzprobe? Something about the show you haven’t told anyone yet and a thing that didn’t make it form rehearsals or previews into the show now? Solo debut show on 15th July,24- How do you curate the show and explore what needs to be explored? You’re producing it too? The premise around your life in opera and theatre? Telling more on that. 3 Projects: Akhnaten, RUSALKA and Philip Glass’s “The Perfect American”- How do you sink your teeth into that world and also make that accessible when it’s a medium very much designed to a specific audience? Also those 3 projects a thing you cherish, a thing you could let go of and a thing you found challenging about it? How much goes into your mindset about the business of being in this industry or a show?You have discussed with such passion about accessibility ( theatre prices)  and inclusion/ diverse at points. What do you feel the current state holds? Do you think about trajectory, sustainability and strategy? Especially having hit so many milestones and worked with such high calibre collaborators? Does also the pressure of that weigh or does it seamlessly flow? Discussing Visitability in status within the industry  and culture of accolades. Kindness and Strength as an individual- Where it comes from? Stem of it? Rapid Response Questions:  A tip on being financial savvy?A pivotal part in your life that stands out when I ask “ the most fruitful lesson you got gifted” what was it And sharing the message in your life?3 things the creative culture could do with and or without?Sippa Chai or Play with Rai- Segmented Games Round.What the Chai- 30 second rant about anything and everything however you must start or end your rant with the phrase "What the Chai?"Joyfulness- What's one thing that makes Zachary joyful and whats one thing he does for others that makes them feel joyful.  You can purchase tickets to Zachary's solo show at Crazy Coqs HERE and Hadestown HERE.  To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.  Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest :https://www.instagram.com/theofficialzacharyjames/?hl=en , https://x.com/_zachary_james_?lang=en-GB  Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  Guest: https://zacharyjames.komi.io/ & https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3204137/  Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.

We are back with delicious and juicy interviews and what a lineup I have coming for you babsies.  Warm up your cuppa because actor and writer Zakiyyah Deen is in the building and we spill it all. From discussing Why a Black Woman will never be a Prime Minister of the UK to how to pitch your theatre projects and your boundaries as an artist.  Topics breakdown:  Can you Improv though- New Warm up games.Zakiyyah's current play- "Why a Black Women will never be a prime minister." Where did it come from? Where it is at? And WHY!?Because this is an exclusive interview- we get into it! Her story from birth to now and how the arts came to be?Commissioning and what doing programs such as Young Vic's Fresh Direction program has taught her?Discussing projects such as: Is dat u yh? The Brassic FM show? Enterprice? How do you find the ownership within what you input and placement within the show ? And how do you detach? Cultural identity and it becoming a kryptonite or your beacon? Niche as a performer?  Quick Round:  A tip on being financial savvy?A tip on grant application or arts application in general?A tip on writing a project?Go back to any role or project what would it be and why? And if you were asked to do a part 2/ expansion of it- input A great thing about being an artist in today’s social, cultural and economical and a challenging thing about it? Getting into the role- auditioning or when you have booked the job? And how to let go or sepearate yourself from it?A thing you would like someone to take away with them having met you for a brief second or known you for a long timeYour Favourite thing about yourself either as a creative or person and something you feel is a challenge and are working onA thing you would like to impart somebody but you never got told or Words to your mirror self3 things the creative culture could do with or without3 artists really admire their journey or would suggest in checking out their work Your thoughts on the entertainment culture or theatre culture in general and a thing you would challenge the industry on Then we play Sippa Chai or Play with Rai, end with our "What the Chai" rant and what makes Zakiyyah joyful and how she brings joyfulness to others.  Note: Artists mentioned in this podcast are: https://theartistspartnership.co.uk/artist/reda-elazouar/   https://www.hamiltonhodell.co.uk/talent/tobi-king-bakare/   https://www.dkfash.com/   You can also check out Zakiyyah's blog HERE.    To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.  Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: https://www.instagram.com/zakiyyahdeen/?hl=en   Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  Guest: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10987227/ , https://www.unitedagents.co.uk/zakiyyah-deen & https://creatorsprogram.youngvic.org/member/13746  Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.

Grabbed a cuppa with the talented Ra'eesah to discuss her writing process for "38%" an audio story for the series Symphonies of Beaded Threads. We also discussed her unique voice as an artist, organisational make up of the theatre industry and of course poetry.  Also, with this I conclude the series of discussing BTS stuff and more with the writers behind Symphonies of Beaded Threads. I hope you enjoyed it and more to come!  About Ra'eesah:  Ra’eesah is a multifaceted creative using the mediums of theatre, film, music and spoken word to tell stories, bring people together and effect positive change. She has performed on stage as an actor and singer at the Bush Theatre as well as with The Old Vic/Neon Arts.  She has produced projects such as The Self-Expression Sessions, a series of spoken word poetry workshops open to people of all ages and abilities, to increase accessibility to the arts and build community through creativity and culture. Further projects Ra’eesah has produced on include Licence to DV8 at the Royal Albert Hall and arts festivals at Almeida Theatre and London Bubble, focusing on outreach. She is a trustee of the Roundhouse and WEST Youth Zone and has contributed to several other organisations including Old Vic Theatre and A New Direction through youth advisory. To Listen to Ra'eesah's story CLICK HERE.  To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.  Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: https://www.instagram.com/ra.eesahh/ , https://twitter.com/Ra_eesahh & https://app.spotlight.com/3812-7862-7993 Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.

Sat down with the wordsmith that is Riana Howarth to discuss a blossoming  and emerging career in theatre and more. We also dove into her audio story "She'd Sit" from the audio series "Symphonies of Beaded Threads"-  the experience of writing that and what she hopes the listeners take from it.  About Riana: Riana is an aspiring writer and illustrator with a curiosity for all/most things weird and wonderful. With a background in acting and experience in assisting in youth theatre classes at the Questors Theatre, she uses this knowledge to inspire her creative writing. Between writing theatre reviews for North West End UK, she is trying to develop a consistent writing practice, exploring various themes, topics and styles. She is currently part of the Fresh Direction Program at The Young Vic Theatre (2022/2023). To Listen to Riana's short audio story Click HERE.  To subscribe to Patreon  and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.  Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: https://www.instagram.com/art.riiii/ & https://creatorsprogram.youngvic.org/member/10091 Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.

Had such a wonderful time discussing community and opportunity as freelance writers in the industry with the wonderful Gayathiri Kamalakanthan. And of course we discussed the writing process for the audio story "Chemo in the Summer".  About Gayathiri: Gayathiri is a Tamil poet and sex education facilitator. They’re interested in how language shapes childhood and how we use it to queer the future. Gayathiri won the Faber & Andlyn Publisher’s Prize 2022, the Primadonna Fiction Prize 2021 and they were shortlisted for the Bridport Poetry Prize 2022. Gayathiri runs the poetry workshop series WORD-BENDERS at The Common Press bookshop in East London. Gayathiri is currently a member of the Southbank New Poets Collective. Their debut novel in verse is forthcoming with Faber. To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.  To listen to Gayathiri's audio story CLICK HERE.  Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: https://www.instagram.com/unembarrassable/  Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  Guest: https://linktr.ee/gayathirikamalakanthan  Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.

I have to say and say it I will! If you are a writer! You must and you must listen to structure and how just telling this conversation is especially if you are an emerging writer. So many great antidotes to take and implement into your world.  Sitting down with the stunning Bethany Gemmell to discuss writing and how a world is created and how "Catherine" was made for Symphonies of Beaded Threads .  About Bethany:  Bethany Henry Gemmell LLM (he/him) is a Northern non-binary artist in London, working as Production Coordinator for a multi-award-winning company. In 2022, he quit working as a teacher and dove into theatre and television full-time. Career highlights so far include: producing, directing and writing for Neurospace Theatre's showcase presenting autistic work at Barons Court in February 2022; stage-managing for Black British Theatre-nominated Saturn Returns at Brixton House/Southbank Centre/Northern School of Contemporary Dance; and being assistant director for the LGBT+ play Welcome Home at Soho Theatre in January 2023. His biggest creative passion is writing. Currently, he is a part of Young Vic's selective Creators Program and he has a television show in development that is based on his play M. E. Trout, which is about an autistic woman dealing with grief and broken relationships. When he is not working, he is building a trans theatre company (Twitter: @transgrtheatre) and reading about sociopolitical issues, so much so that he has recently graduated with a Masters in Human Rights Law - as such, he gets quite nerdy about that sort of thing. His staged short play Wolf (2023), which was his first ever submission to Theatre503's Rapid Write Response scheme, is the latest achievement in Bethany's emerging writing career. To Listen to Bethany's audio short story CLICK HERE.  To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.  Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: https://www.instagram.com/hgemmellian/ & https://twitter.com/hengemmell  Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  Guest: https://creatorsprogram.youngvic.org/member/11946 Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.

The incredible soul that is Yasmine Dankwah sat down and discussed her process of storytelling, YouTube rabbit holes and of course Spoken word vs poetry.  Here is the link to Yasmine's short story titled "An Epic: as told by my grandma’s photo album " for Symphonies of Beaded Threads  About Yasmine:  Yasmine Dankwah is a British-Ghanaian spoken word artist and writer based in South London. She is interested in exploring how resistance in the form of identity-based discrimination can act as a springboard for joy in live performance by using music, spoken word poetry and lyricism. She is currently an artist on Boundless Theatre’s Accelerator programme and part of the Emerging Writer’s Group at the Bush Theatre. Last year, she became a recipient of the Francis Chagrin award and was featured on BBC Radio London for her audio play I Used To Know H.I.M, which was commissioned by Chronic Insanity Theatre. To subscribe to Patreon  and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.  Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: https://www.instagram.com/yasminedankwah/ & https://twitter.com/yasmined77?lang=en  Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.

Finally and I mean Finally managed to get Carmina Bernhardt for an intevrview. Carrying on with the series we grabbed a cuppa and discussed the inspiration behind Carmina's piece "Brainfreeze" from the audio series "Symphonies of Beaded Threads" and her love of cats and more! About Carmina: Carmina Bernhardt is a Vancouver-born and London-based actor, writer, director, script reader, and coach for stage and screen. Graduated with Distinction from Royal Central School of Speech and Drama's MA Acting for Screen, and completed a BA in Music Theatre Performance from Capilano University. Recipient of the London Library’s Emerging Writers Award, and selected for New Earth Theatre's BESEA Professional Writers Programme. To listen to Carmina's short story "Brainfreeze" CLICK HERE.  To subscribe to Patreon  and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.  Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: https://www.instagram.com/carminabernhardt/ & https://twitter.com/dasbernhardt?lang=en Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  Guest: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6486835/ & https://app.spotlight.com/9179-0197-9303  Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.

Carrying on with the interview series with the writers from "Symphonies of Beaded Threads" diving into the mind of Afriya- Jasmine Nylander. who wrote the short story titled "Professional Daydreamer".   About Afriya: Afriya-Jasmine Nylander is a Writer, Actor and Producer based in West London. She studied Theatre at the Brit School where she performed Shakespeare at Stratford-Upon-Avon, was chosen for the NSDF Festival 2021, and was a part of the Bridge Company.  In 2023, she had her professional Debut in Charli Josephine’s play “Flies”and was involved in The Lyric Hammersmith stage response project of “The African Mean Girls”. She has worked with the National Theatre as an assistant producer of “Death of England: Closing Time” written by the award-winning Clint Dyer and Roy Williams. She is also a part of the National Theatre alumni Writers group. She currently works at the Kiln Theatre and is writing her debut play “Everyone’s Invited”.  To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.  Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: https://www.instagram.com/afriya.j/ Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.

Excited to be releasing an interview series with the the writers from the short audio storytelling series on Chai with Rai "Symphonies of Beaded Threads". Let's warm up that delicious cuppa and dive into it with Soria Hamidi who wrote "Take my Picture"  About Soria: Soria Hamidi is an Afghan playwright, prose fiction writer and dramaturg. Her work focuses on silenced histories, communities and people by exploring the stories through a class-based, racial and feminist perspective.  She has completed the Kiln Theatre’s Listen Local Writers Programme where she developed and staged her short play on Afghan feminism. She has been selected for the London Library’s Emerging Writers Programme to research and write a play on the commercialisation of war and trauma. She completed the Writerz and Scribez and the Vineyard Theatre Literary Programme.  To subscribe to Patreon  (listen to the audio version of without ads or intro/outro ) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.  To Listen to Soria's short "Take My Picture"  Click HERE.  Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: https://www.instagram.com/soriahh/  Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.

Getting into more deep chatter and games with the one and only Vidya Patel. Enjoy part 2 and you can also now listen to Part 1 HERE.  In the episode we discuss: Culture of Dance commissioning. A tip on being financial savvy.A tip on funding, application how to get things done . A tip on dance artists transitioning into facilitation or choreographing or movement direction?3 things the dance culture be it South Asian led or overall industry that could do with or without Note:  Artists mentioned in the podcast are: Aditi Mangaldas, Hiten Patel and Shammi Pithia.   To subscribe to Patreon  (watch the full unedited video version of this) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.  Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: https://www.instagram.com/_vidyapatel/ & https://twitter.com/vidyapatel96    Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  Guest: https://www.vidyapatel.com/  Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.

This is going to be a two-parted episode BECAUSE I just had to dive into this brilliant human's mind. Got to speak with the incredible Choreographer, Movement artist and wonderful human that is Vidya Patel. From connecting on Gujarati sayings to discussing decoding Classical Indian dance, it's access, Uday Shankar and so much more! This is a jam packed one.  In the episode we discuss: Creation exploration? What is it you look for? The room to feel like ?What does the world of your creativity feel and sound like ? Do you separate the lineage/ history of what you have been taught of all artistic vocabulary such as kathak and chow when facilitating and how you manoeuvre that if so?The balance of artistic expression and storytelling you have? What inspires you/ drives you to create still?How do you balance the room when comissioned with everything and what have you found a tip on in getting consistent work?What you have learnt about yourself through the craft and about your craft through the years? To subscribe to Patreon  (watch the full unedited video version of this) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.  Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: https://www.instagram.com/_vidyapatel/ & https://twitter.com/vidyapatel96    Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  Guest: https://www.vidyapatel.com/  Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.

Part 2 aka the final part with actor Tibu Fortes. From discussing reverence of Shakespeare to co-op's ( not the retail store).  In the episode we discuss: Co-Op's - 3 tools you learnt from on being on the agency side and now to switching to a complete overall management. Lessons you have learnt from the craft about yourself and the craft?If you could go back to any role/ project- what would you add/ change to it now with your lived experience?Discussing South Asian culture in entertainment.  To subscribe to Patreon  (watch the full unedited video version of this) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.  Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: https://www.instagram.com/tibufortes/  Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  Guest: https://www.tibufortes.com/ Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.