London mayor opens new theatre for South Asian arts

London's Pakistani-origin mayor Sadiq Khan today officially opened a new theatre in the British capital here dedicated to the South Asian arts.
Tara Theatre will be the new state of the art home in south London for Tara Arts, the oldest diverse multicultural theatre company in the UK founded by Indian-origin artist Jatinder Verma back in 1977.
"Tara Theatre has always held a special place in my heart. I have enjoyed many hours at the theatre and I'm delighted that the building has been given this new lease of life," said Khan, who was born and brought up just around the corner from the theatre in Tooting area of the city.

"As a result of this project, I hope many more Londoners will come and experience the magic of theatre at Tara Arts. This new space embodies all that is great about London, with diversity and creativity built into the very fabric of the building," said Khan, the son of a Pakistani bus driver who became London's first Muslim mayor in April this year.
Tara Arts describes itself as the oldest diverse multicultural theatre company in the UK.
The new Tara Theatre retains the original architecture of an Edwardian terraced building, with the insertion of light- filled spaces and a modern interior.

The building boasts a series of sustainable technologies including solar panels and green sedum roofs.

Plans are underway for staging 70 events marking the 70th anniversary of India and Pakistan's independence in 2017.
Tara's Artistic Director Jatinder Verma said: "This is the realisation of a life-long dream to create a world class building right in the heart of the community we serve.
"We are passionate to continue and expand our work, now with the benefit of such a wonderful building. We are thankful to all our supporters and funders for making this dream a reality."
Sir Peter Bazalgette, chair, Arts Council England, added: "Arts Council England's capital support of Tara's new theatre in South London signals our commitment to investing in the long term development of Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic theatre artists and all audiences, as part of our Creative Case for Diversity.