PROGRAMME
Producer’s note:
At the close of its 19th revolution around the sun, we tautoko the South Asians in performance arts in Tāmaki Makaurau, across multiple disciplines. With this comes the most humbling and satisfying acknowledgement that the seeds Prayas Theatre (and others like us) have been watering and nurturing for all of these years, knowingly and unknowingly, are slowly being nourished by the whenua, in their sapling stage.
Our Tiffin Box features works by 21 artists, bringing you 11 different pieces. The multiplicity of voices is what most excites me the most. Long may it continue.
Welcome to Spring!
Arohanui,
Sananda
Featured Line Up of Artists (in running order)
1 & 6 KAUTILYA by Aayat Dance Co (dance)
Aayat with their team of Kathak dancers – Simran, Prajita, Nikita & Sheetul – present a short classical piece by Rishab Rikhiram Sharma. A pure kathak presentation that blends the expressive Natya (drama) with the rhythmic Nritya (dance). Through this piece, they hope to bring the centuries-old elegance of Kathak to life. A second piece, which will remain a surprise, will be performed by this absolutely stunning group of nartakis over the season.
2 SURPRISE by Shekinah Jacob (theatre)
Playwright Shekinah Jacob celebrates a woman’s right to inconsistent and irrational behaviour. This work is an ode to self-acceptance and embracing one’s imperfections. Performed by Arti Kansara, In collaboration with Ashley Shillong.
3 POTIONS FOR MARITAL BLISS by Porvi Fomra (stand up)
Porvi is an actor, writer, producer working in theatre and screen and now an aspiring comedian.
4 OCEAN WAVES CARRY ME HOME by Serena Mani (poetry)
An actor of Indo-Fijian/Fijian descent Serena explores storytelling through her collection of poetry to represent communities that her identity intersects with – around themes of heartbreak, acceptance, trauma and healing.
5 WICKED AMA (Ask Me Anything) by Namrata Mankame-Shanbhag (theatre)
This piece played by Namrata features a Wicked (what else) Witch who is ready for some honest FAQ about witches. Welcome to this no-holds-barred session. Performed by Namrata-Mankame-Shanbhag. Directed by Sananda Chatterjee
7 AMMA by GEMISHKA CHETTY (poetry)
Actor, writer and poet Gemishka Chetty brings her powerful poetry to Tiffin Box with words tinged with conflicting flavours. She returns to the Prayas stage with her brand-new work “Amma”.
8 UDAAN by SAYEE & Karen Plimmer (music) (FROM Thursday 10th Oct)
Much-acclaimed Tamaki Makaurau Singer-Songwriter SAYEE and multi-instrumentalist Karen Plimmer of Prayas band come together again to perform ‘Aguner Poroshmoni’, a much loved Bengali song written by the great poet, Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. They are joined by Sheetul Bisnauthsing of Aayat Dance Co, with a dance performance. ‘Aa bhi Jaa’ is written by SAYEE & Zorran Mendonsa, sung by SAYEE and accompanied by Karen on the piano.
9 THE HOTTEST 6 by Marzia Solarian (stand up)
Marzia is Videographer/Editor by trade, a multimedia artist in her time off and a comedian.
10 COMPLICATED by Jayshri Ratnam (poetry/music)
Jayshri Ratnam presents a playful parody of Avril Lavigne’s hit song ‘Complicated,’ where she explores her unique journey as a Fijian Indian New Zealander. Through her lyrics, she shares experience of blending cultures, navigating identity, and the challenges—and joys—of relocating to a small town in Aotearoa.
11 AROHA by Natasha Trilokekar, Narme Deva and Ahalya Sathiyaselvan (dance)
Three classically trained Bharatanatyam dancers exploring what it means to be Tauiwi in Aotearoa. Inspired by Dr. Hinemoa Elder’s book, ‘Aroha’, this trio will interpret a Māori whakataukī through their experiences as Kiwi South Asians. Swapping the operating theatre (yes, they are all doctors!) for Basement Theatre, they explore connection and disconnection to ancestry and cultural roots, with Dr. Elder’s blessings.
12 MANPREET SINGH REAL ESTATE by Aman Bajaj & Tim Booth (theatre)
Aman Bajaj dons the hat of real estate agent Manpreet Singh to showcase the fall of a despicable real estate agent desperate to sell the number one property of his portfolio – a billionaire’s nuclear bunker hideout. Satirical tale that critiques the unhealthy fascination Aotearoa has with home ownership. Performed by Aman Bajaj, Directed by Tim Booth and Aman Bajaj
Creatives
Creative Producer – Sananda Chatterjee
Marketing & PR – Sudeepta Vyas
Social Media Outreach – Jayshri Ratnam
Poster Art – Marzia Solarian
Social Reels – Migrant Maharanis
Technical Designer – Zane Allen
Set Draping – Sahana Rahman
Show Operator – Jazmin Whittall
Stage Manager – Ariadne Baltazar
Production Support – Rishabh Kapoor
Production Photography – John Rata
Production Videography – Rocket Park Productions