Cultural Contribution, Doris Allimadi, sponsor M&G Real Estate
A playwright, activist and actor-director has made an “outstanding contribution to Reading’s cultural life”, and deserves the Cultural Contribution award, says a nomination.
Doris Allimadi (or Dee to many of her friends) “has created several shows at South Street as well as taking part in other performances. She has a unique voice and brings a real vibrancy and authenticity to her work.”
A nominator said: “I don’t know anyone else in Reading who is using theatre so generously, and as a forum to address our contemporary problems so bravely and with such heart. Certainly I can think of nobody who is doing so with more sincerity and dedication.
Doris’ work speaks powerfully to such themes as mental health, racism in society, and the under-represented histories of the African continent and its leaders and heroines, they added.
They added it “ engages and includes the community, creating powerful forums to convene and connect around these important themes” and cited two plays she has written.
Of one, they said: “Her play about her late sister – Barbara: The Accidental Activist – provided an important forum for an amazing activist and role model, Barbara Allimadi, to be honoured and remembered.
“Doris adds conscience and soul to the dramatic offerings of Reading and I feel the generosity and importance of her work should be recog
