Nataliya Kharina

I have been working in community theatre for over a decade but now am interested in moving into professional theatre. This step-change is daunting and a clear pathway doesn't exist. But I really want to try.

I am a bilingual artist with a particular interest in stories that are unexpectedly frank and undermine that which society deems as the norm.

I have written and directed productions with communities groups in London, Hong Kong, Italy and Russia. I have devised with the most brilliantly diverse groups from refugees to people with disabilities, young people at PRU's and groups that don't speak a word of English.

I want to take the skills that I have developed through this work and apply it to creating arts with professional actors. Having spent so many years on the frontline and listening deeply to people from all walks of life I'm interested in creating exceptional theatre that reflects and inspires people who would never usually think of accessing the arts.

I want to write outstanding words that mean something.
I want to direct inspiring actors that can bring them to life.

(preferred pronouns she/her)

Credits

The Supermarket / Ryan Theatre / 1 show, July 2023
Writer & Co-director
Created with young people about the cost-of-living crisis

We're Alive / Drayton Arms Theatre / 3 nights, June 2023
Writer & Co-director
Created with Ukrainian refugees about war & migration

Hope Road / Wac Arts / 2 show, June 2022
Writer & Director
Created with young people about migration & political instability

Wemba's Dream / Wembley Stadium / 3 shows, Sept, 2021
Director
Created in collaboration with Wembley Park, Mahogany Carnival Arts & The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

The Mermaid that Saved the Cow / The Yellow / 1 show, Aug 2019
Writer & Director
Created with young people raising awareness about plastic pollution inspired by a true story

Noise / The Yellow / 1 show, June 2019
Writer & Director
Created with young people about mental health and how it affects both children and adults

Saving Storyland / Putney Arts Centre / 3 shows, June 2019
Writer & Director
Created with young people with disabilities celebrating colour and kindness

Lemon Heaven / New Wimbledon Theatre / 3 shows, April 2019
Writer & Director
Created with young people about the negative impacts of capitalism

The Cloud that Fell from the Sky / Tara Arts / 3 shows, April 2018
Writer & Director
Created with young people with disabilities about a cloud that needed to cry to get back to the sky

The Farm / New Wimbledon Theatre / 3 shows, Mar 2018
Writer & Director
Created with young people about online bullying

Facilitated on shows at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre & Alexandra Palace with Haringey Shed.

Written and directed full scale productions in Hong Kong at the Hong Kong Arts Centre & delivered courses at the Academy of Performing Arts.

Written and directed across schools in Tyumen, Siberia.
Written and directed community productions in Cosaletto, Calabria, Italy,

Training

BA Drama, Applied Theatre & Education

Safeguarding Lead
Mental Health First Aid