The Writers of Wales Database

RAI, DOMINIC

c/o Indycube, The Media Centre, Culverhouse Cross, Cardiff, CF5 6XJ
Tel: 07966 215090
Email: dominicrai@mac.com

British Asian writer and director based in Cardiff since 2007. Dominic is especially interested in intergenerational projects and work that engages young people and community audiences. Involved in freelance work, and from 1993 onwards also as Artistic Director of Mán Melá Theatre Company.

Born in Panjab, North India, Dominic moved to Birmingham aged 6, and was based professionally in London for 20 years, working throughout the UK. He started writing for theatre in 1989 with a commitment to encouraging new writers from culturally diverse communities. 'The Cornershop' in 2001 brought together 3 new writers from the Hindu, Muslim and Sikh communities in a contemporary triple bill which toured the UK and impacted audiences.

Dominic has led writing workshops and courses leading to performance, including comedy. He taught the World Theatre course for Loughborough University in 2006 and facilitated the students (all non-Asians) to perform at the Nehru Centre in London (cultural wing of the Indian High Commission) in a tribute following the death of North Indian literary legend, Amrita Pritam.

Other projects include:
• 'Young Writers & Perfomers Group', Eastside Arts, Whitechapel (2004)
• 'The Ballad of Bethnal Green' - writer on project with BBC Singers / primary school children (2004)
• Co-tutor on an Arvon Foundation course in 2009 (with Rani Moorthy).
• Writer/Director for 2 community health dramas commissioned by Derby City NHS: 'Nalo Ishq Mitha' (Love is Sweeter than Sugar) (2008) (click here for a flyer on this project) / 'Sehat & Zindagi' (Our Health, Your Lives) for Health Drama Productions (2010)
• Producer/director/writer on 'Her Choice, Your Duty to Protect Her' – training video for UK police commissioned by ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) on ‘Honour’ related violence, based on a real incident and filmed in Wales.
• AWEMA (All Wales Ethnic Minority Association) – feasibility study for a BME-led Theatre Company for Wales, Young Roots Heritage Project & co-edited the Welsh Book of Teenage Poetry Slam 2007.

Dominic has written for The Stage and Television (weekly). He is co-founder of 'Indycube' a co-working space in Cardiff for media and creative professionals, and is currently collaborating with two writers on a film project based in Cardiff. Dominic is a member of Equity and The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain.

Contributed to:
Welsh Book of Teenage Poetry Slam (co-editor) (AWEMA, 2007)