Pulitzer prize finalist Rajiv Joseph's book Guards at the Taj will be showcased at the opening of the newly refurbished Bush Theatre in London. Award-winning architects Haworth Tompkins has turned an old 20th Century library into a fully accessible, modernised cultural building.
Upon re-opening, the new building will be more sustainable and entirely accessible, with a new entrance, front-of-house area and exterior garden terrace to the main street. A new studio space and attic rehearsal room will allow the Bush to work with a further 200 artists each year and allow over 50% increase in produced, co-produced and commissioned productions. This is a remarkable growth for the theatre since moving from above a pub on Shepherd’s Bush Green in 2011.
The Bush redevelopment has been driven by the aim of realising Artistic Director Madani Younis’ vision of diversity and vibrancy of London today. The new studio aims to become a home for emerging artists and producers and will work alongside three Project 2036 practitioners (a programme that will offer a Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee playwright, director and producer a £10,000 bursary each year) and the Bush’s Emerging Writers’ Group.
