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Auckland, May 17, 2017
A local theatre company has announced it new production, which will be staged in Auckland from next week.
‘Swabhoomi: Borrowed Earth,’ will be staged at TAPAC from May 25 to June 4,
Conceived and Directed by Ahi Karunaharan, with Assistant Director Sananda Chatterjee and Nona Shedde, the play is being presented by Prayas Theatre Company, which is known for comedic and satirical works.
From the first Indians to arrive in Aotearoa, Prayas Theatre follows their tracks, through the generations, through the country’s modern history.
Sharing the 150 years that Indians have grown and learnt in New Zealand, right up to the political issues that even now mark out what it is to be a migrant in New Zealand, Swabhoomi merges theatre, movement, puppetry, poetry and music; seeking to develop from talks and debate, what it is to be an Indian Kiwi.
Intricate relationships
Seamlessly fusing together, the serious with light-hearted moments, Prayas explores the intricacies of the Kiwi-Indian experience, from migrants who dug gold in the Otago rushes to digging up vegetables in Pukekohe today.
Not shying away from the gritty issues of immigration, the stories told range about the lives of Indians during the Capital’s early days while facing the backlash of white extremists who did not want them there, right through to the dilemma of students facing deportation today.
Eclectic mix of music
A team of 18 performers will weave together the stories of numerous migrants, unpacking the journey of coming to call New Zealand home. Swabhoomi, will use an eclectic mix of Indian and Western music, sonically translating the fusion of cultures into an enriching experience for audiences.
About Ahi Karunaharan
Born in the UK, bred in Aotearoa, and with extensive experience in both countries, creator and director Ahi Karunaharan is a familiar face in the arts sector having worked on many shows and festivals, and with various venues and production companies.
In addition to his acting and directing credits, Ahi is also the founder of Agaram Productions, which curated and produced the first ever South Asian Writers’ Festival and the critically acclaimed production of Mumbai Monologues for the Auckland Pride Festival.
Other professionals
Sananda Chatterjee once again lends her wisdom to the project, stepping in as Assistant Director for Swabhoomi. Joining the company over ten years ago, Sananda has moved up the ranks, from an usher to assistant director of 2015’s critically acclaimed A Fine Balance and her solo directorial super hit debut last year, Love N Stuff.
Nona Shedde who is Assistant Director has been part of Prayas cast in ‘Rudali’ and ‘A Fine Balance’. She directed White Night last year and assisted earlier in March with ‘Whanui:Samaroh’ which was Prayas’ contribution to the Auckland Arts Festival.
Tickets have been on sale from May 1.
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Swabhoomi: Borrowed Earth plays
Thu 25 May – Sun June 4
Venue: TAPAC, 100 Motions Rd, Pt Chevalier
Tickets: $25 – $30
Booking: http://www.tapac.org.nz/
