We are delighted to announce that the SDUK board have appointed Matthew Dunster and Pooja Ghai as Co-Chairs, taking over from Kate Saxon as outgoing Chair

Pooja and Matthew’s collective experience as directors, their knowledge and links to partner organisations, and their ambitions for SDUK mean that we are going into 2021 as a strong unified voice.

Outgoing chair, Kate Saxon has said:

“I warmly hand over to Pooja Ghai and Matthew Dunster.

For me, one of the most important aspects of SDUK is that every director counts. That every change we seek and help to engender must benefit all. That we must continue to challenge injustices, better our practices, and demand appropriate fees and recognition for our work. To be effective, we are best when using our skills that are key to directing: we listen, collaborate, nurture, challenge, create and, when at our best, we inspire.

As Chairs, we must listen to and seek out every voice, including the dissenting ones. By considering diverse perspectives, we are best equipped to speak up for all, and to better understand not only the challenges that our members experience, but also the industry that we exist in, as one part of many.

I know Pooja and Matthew will do a wonderful job of all this and more, and I wish them every luck. I look forward to seeing the developments that are yet to come.”

“I am honoured to be appointed co-chair alongside Matthew Dunster” says Pooja “I look forward to working with Tom and Liz, Matthew and the board to advocate for theatre directors’ rights throughout the UK. During my professional career I have had to overcome unconscious bias and barriers to opportunity and fighting to dismantle these structures and create a more equal playing field is integral to my creative practice. SDUK’s shared ambitions was why I joined as a member from its inception, and why, as a co-chair I am looking forward to finding practical and sustainable solutions with SDUK and the board so that we are able to advocate strongly for equal rights, representation and fair pay. As a woman of colour – a demographic grossly underrepresented in the sector  – I aim to offer a perspective that gives us long lasting and positive change. “

And Matthew has stated “I’m really looking forward to working with Tom and Liz at SDUK; my co-chair, Pooja, who I know I have much to learn from; and the rest of our brilliant board. Now is the time for solidarity in our sector. Every director should know that SDUK wants to hear their voice and support them at this time. This organisation is about inclusion and representation and I’ll work hard to make sure more people are included and represented.”