Abdul Shayek, the artistic director of Tara Theatre, dies aged 39

The artistic director and joint CEO of Tara Theatre, which champions South Asian voices and artists, has died.

Abdul Shayek, who joined the company in August 2020, passed away at the young age of 39. He had succeeded founding artistic director Jatinder Verma.

Tara Theatre shared the saddening news on social media, writing: “It is with immense sadness that we are announcing the death of Abdul Shayek, beloved Artistic Director and Joint CEO of Tara Theatre, aged 39. We are heartbroken to share this news on behalf of his family. Abdul died at home unexpectedly, of natural causes.

“Abdul’s family and Tara Theatre respectfully request privacy and space to come to terms with our devastating loss.”

Tara Theatre creates innovative, politically charged theatre harnessing the power of co-creation. Its work explores the complexities of our world through a South Asian lens, identifying new narratives, new ideas and new forms.

Before taking up his role at Tara Theatre, Shayek was the founding Artistic Director & CEO of Fio, which was based in Cardiff, Wales.

He was also a member of the Arts and Creative Economy Advisory Group at the British Council.