Ahi Karunaharan
Director, Writer, Actor
Also on the Prayas Executive Committee →
Ahi Karunaharan is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most accomplished South Asian theatre-makers and a New Zealand Arts Foundation Laureate. A graduate of Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School, he is a writer, director, actor, and producer.
His writing credits include The Mourning After — the first full-length Sri Lankan play in New Zealand — and Tea, which won Best Overall Production at the Auckland Theatre Awards. He directed the Rudali segment of Pitārā (2025) and has directed A Fine Balance for Prayas and Auckland Theatre Company.
Productions with Prayas
2023
The Clay Cart — Mricchakatika
Production Mentor / Production Manager
2021
First World Problems 3.0
Executive Producers
2020
YĀTRĀ
Producer
2020
Arohan — An Invocation of Love
Performer
2019
First World Problems 2.0
Executive Producers
2019
A Fine Balance
Director
2018
First World Problems
Artistic Director & Curator
2018
Dara
Producer
2017
Samaroh: The Great Indian Carnival
Director
2017
Swabhoomi: Borrowed Earth
Director
2015
The Mourning After
Playwright
2015
A Fine Balance (First Season)
Director
2013
Rudali
Co-Director