This was based on one of Rohinton Mistry’s short stories relating to the problem of a migrant from India who moved to Canada but found the contrast in toilet experiences hard to take. Rather than just re-tell that story, Prayas went out into Auckland’s migrant community to collect their stories and experiences.
With the rich collection of anecdotes, Prayas wove them into a play that became Khoj – The Search. The play owes much to community input, both at the time Prayas was collecting stories to later, when play readings were held and later, when it went into rehearsal. “The play boldly challenges both the migrant community as well as local New Zealanders regarding preconceived ideas about people and cultures.”
Khoj raised some serious questions through humour. Jamshed the protagonist’s toilet issues were used as a metaphor for adapting to the adjustment issues in a new country.
Directed by Amit Ohdedar