2025
Pitara — A Box of Memories
Prayas Theatre’s 20th anniversary celebration — a curated collection of the most loved scenes from 20 years of South Asian theatre.
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English-language South Asian theatre · Auckland, Aotearoa
20 Years of South Asian
Theatre in Aotearoa
Stories that bridge cultures and bring communities together.
Latest Production
Pitara — A Box of Memories
Our 20th anniversary celebration. Three sold-out nights at TAPAC, bringing together artists from across our history in a joyous celebration of two decades of South Asian theatre.
Audiences were delighted, moved to tears, and left in splits — eventually ending on a note of hopeful contemplation.
Explore Pitara
"The ensemble cast knocked it out of the park… this community has always morphed to fill needs, whether it be giving heart and culture back to young professionals seeking something deeper to be part of, or growing arts practitioners to tell their own stories."
— Renee Liang
"What a show! In a short span of time Prayas has unsurprisingly managed to pull something nostalgic together that hits all the right notes. Band is a magical touch."
— Natasha Iyer
"So heartwarming and awesome… Prayas has been such a crucial trailblazer for the South Asian community, and the wider Asian community in general, to fight for representation and our stories to be heard and welcomed in Aotearoa."
— Alyssa Medel
"Congratulations on 20 years and on Pitārā! What a beautiful collection of memories you put together. You have created a wonderful community, and it showed at the performance."
— Pene Lister, Indian Ink Theatre
Who We Are
Aotearoa's Home for South Asian Theatre
For over two decades, Prayas Theatre has been bringing South Asian stories to New Zealand stages. From intimate community workshops to full-scale theatrical productions, we create spaces where cultures meet, artists grow, and audiences discover something new.
Our StoryOur Work
From Our Stage
2025
2024
Tiffin Box
A mixed platter of theatre, poetry, stand-up comedy, monologues, music, Kathak and Bharatanatyam — something for everyone at Basement Theatre.
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2023
The Clay Cart — Mricchakatika
A 5th-century Sanskrit love story and political satire — one of India’s most enduring works, staged at TAPAC with a cast of 16.
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2022
Dhaba on Devon Avenue
King Lear meets The Cherry Orchard in this Chicago story of fathers and daughters, legacy, and survival — set in a Sindhi restaurant on Devon Avenue.
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2021
First World Problems 3.0
Your favourite subversive South Asian anthology which returns this year with a brand-new collection of bite-sized plays. After two sell-out seasons, P
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2020
YĀTRĀ
Two imperial guards are charged with protecting an iconic landmark. A water-deprived village receives a curious new resident. A group of women introsp
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20+
Years
27+
Productions
100+
Artists Supported
3
Sold-Out Nights — Pitara 2025
Community Voices
What Prayas Means to Us
"What makes for an unforgettable theatrical experience, both for the creatives and for audiences, is being part of something much larger than oneself. Most of the members of the company are half my age, or even younger, and it has been a privilege to absorb some of their energy and enthusiasm."
— Dr. Ayesha Heble
Performer & English Professor
"Prayas are renowned for bringing Auckland audiences significant, fresh works that entertain, inspire, and deepen our experience of live performance. I am in no doubt that this new season from Prayas will be a highlight theatre event."
— Margaret-Mary Hollins
Theatre Director & Teaching Artist
"Companies like Prayas enrich our communities, broaden perspectives and enable access to global stories that have local resonance. It enhances our collective understanding and appreciation of the cultural mosaic that makes up Aotearoa."
— Sarah Somerville
Executive Director, TAPAC
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Actors, directors, designers, musicians — all experience levels welcome. Our rehearsal rooms are where careers begin.
Find Out MoreSupport Our Mission
Become a patron, join as a member, or volunteer your skills. Every bit of support keeps South Asian stories alive on Aotearoa's stages.
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