Sudden death of Welsh director, 39
RIPWelsh National Opera has announced the death, of natural causes, of its close collaborator Abdul Shayek.
Abdul was artistic director and joint CEO of Tara Theatre which, he said, would ‘be a catalyst and agent for change within the UK theatre landscape, addressing the widespread lack of diversity and inclusivity.’ At WNO, he was Associate Director for Migrations, and director for a series of short films, Rearrange.
I’m so sorry to hear this. I saw “Migrations” and it was brilliant. A real talent has been lost here.
How absolutely ghastly!!
A very sad and untimely demise – Abdul had such vision, such creative promise, such exuberant enthusiasm, such profound musical foresight! He will be deeply missed. My prayer is that WNO will be inspired by Abdul’s undying SPIRIT and live out his musical dreams!
Ok, I’m confused here. How was he Welsh? Did he have a “Welsh” passport? Oh, a UK passport? Which made him a UK citizen. But what made him Welsh? Was he born in Wales? Would that make him Welsh?
Why does it matter?
Abdul shayek was not only a brilliant, inspiring, Director and producer who lived and worked in Wales for over ten years, which was an adopted homeland;
He was the director of Tara, a theatre in London and the founder of Fio in Wales. Abdul was the devoted father of two beautiful daughters, one only a year old. He leaves behind a devastated wife, Nicole, the Executive Director of Young Identity, a literature charity in the UK, His family, his friends, and colleagues in the art sector. He will be greatly missed by all who have been in his presence,
He was full of light laughter and, most of all, love. He had the capacity to make everyone feel listened to. He tried to support many people’s dreams and aspirations, not just within the theatre world but within varied, diverse communities across Wales and the UK.
He was the champion of equality and equity spaces that he worked in, which had a far-reaching influence within the Arts Industry. His impact and influence are national and international, and we, his family, love him dearly. He was a massive beacon of light that unexpectedly went out too soon, and he will be sorely missed.
However, he would hope and expect many to pick up the batten he left behind. Those who are inspired to continue to run a race about acceptance and change, pushing the boundaries of equality, inclusion and diversity.
more perhaps from that experimental “medicine”