First World Problems 2.0

First World Problems 2.0

📅 2019 📍 Basement Theatre, Auckland

Prayas is back with twice as many problems than you can throw dry rice at. Not-so-subtle curry traits burst onto the Basement Stage with all the technicolour oomph of a South Asian soap opera.

A sizzling crockpot of a show, created by a desi-licious ensemble cast and curated by Sananda Chatterjee (Dara, Love n Stuff). Following on from their smash hit season of ‘A Fine Balance’, Prayas partners with Agaram Productions and Oriental Maidens for a collection of new voices, new problems and absolutely no solutions.

What People Said

“No matter your age, gender, cultural identity, ethnicity or economic status, the human art-form of storytelling is one that we can all participate in and learn from. First World Problems 2.0 offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in the stories of others, to laugh, to cry and to empathise with not only those on stage but those around you. Grab it with both hands while you can.”

“…this wasn’t a production that was about reinforcing stereotypes – rather it was a platform to encourage the development of innovative storytelling from the diverse South Asian creatives who call Auckland home.”

Hosting & Dinners Rishabh Kapoor

Cast

Sheetul Bisnauthsing Kathak (Kautilya), with Simran, Nikita & Prajita of Aayat Dance Co.
Arti Kansara Surprise (performer)
Shekinah Jacob Surprise (writer & director)
Serena Mani Poetry (The Ocean Waves Carry Me Home)
Porvi Fomra Stand-up Comedy
Namrata Mankame-Shanbag Wicked AMA (writer & performer)
Gemishka Chetty Poetry (Amma)
Karen Plimmer Udaan (piano)
Sayanti Chatterjee Udaan (vocals & songwriter)
Marzia Solarian Stand-up Comedy
Jayshree Ratnam Poetry (Complicated)
Natasha Trilokekar Aroha (Bharatanatyam & poetry)
Narme Deva Aroha (Bharatanatyam & poetry)
Ahalya Sathiyaselvan Aroha (Bharatanatyam & poetry)
Aman Bajaj Manpreet Singh Real Estate (writer & performer)
Porvi Fomra Manpreet Singh Real Estate (performer)
Tim Booth Manpreet Singh Real Estate (director)

Full Creative Team

Ariadne Balthazar Stage Manager
Zane Allen Technical Design
Jazmin Whittall Season Operations
John Rata Photography

Production Gallery