A Shot of “Chai” with “Dairy” for Auckland Patrons

A Shot of “Chai” with “Dairy” for Auckland Patrons

Indian Ink Theatre Company presents
GURU OF CHAI/KRISHNAN’S DAIRY
Performed by Jacob Rajan / Directed by Justin Lewis / Written by Jacob Rajan and Justin Lewis

A glorious back-to-back season marks Indian Ink’s return to Auckland in 2012, as the internationally acclaimed Guru of Chai takes to the stage at Q Theatre alongside the long awaited return of their much-loved classic, Krishnan’s Dairy, this July and August.

Premiering in 2010 Guru of Chai features Jacob Rajan (Arts Foundation Laureate) and musician David Ward (Composer of the Year). Co-Writer and Director Justin Lewis describes the work as a collision of western theatrical traditions with the vibrant chaos of modern India. Making the most of Jacob Rajan’s unparalleled ability to switch seamlessly between multiple characters; he conjures up a deliciously serpentine, romantic thriller that encompasses the intimate and the epic, the simple and the profound, the sublime and the ridiculous.

The award winning story teller and actor keeps the audience enthralled as he becomes 7 sisters, a policeman, a poet, a series of gangsters and a poor chai-wallah in this heartbreakingly beautiful, yet outrageously funny story of love, loss and enlightenment. Guru of Chai has also enchanted international audiences since its 2011 American premier in Los Angeles; receiving high praise from audiences calling it “the best show in 10 years.”

“Magic formula.. clever theatrical touches…sheer brilliance..a joy to behold” - NZ Listener

In 1997, Indian Ink's ground-breaking debut was a work that took two of the most universal Indian clichés – the Taj Mahal and the corner store – and fused them together to create an hilarious and touching love story. Krishnan’s Dairy has gone on to receive stellar reviews and sell-out houses with a world-wide audience of over 47,000 people.

Recent arrivals to New Zealand, Gobi and Zina Krishnan have moved in search of a better life for themselves and their child. Working hard and keeping their dreams stacked on the shelves of their struggling corner shop. Woven into their story is the epic tale of the Taj Mahal – one of the wonders of the world and a testament to the love of one man for his wife.

Amongst its many accolades the show scooped up Production of the Year in New Zealand and took the 1999 Edinburgh Fringe Festival by storm; winning a Fringe First Award, a 5 star review in the Scotsman and a “Best Actor” nomination for Jacob Rajan.

Indian Ink is firmly established as one of New Zealand’s most successful independent theatre companies. It has garnered an international reputation with their works consistently enjoying sell out seasons in the UK, Singapore, Australia, Germany and the U.S.
The extraordinary partnership of Jacob Rajan and Justin Lewis is now in its second decade and they are celebrating with 2 works that span the life of the company – Guru of Chai and Krishnan’s Dairy. Together, these plays celebrate their vision of creating theatre that is beautiful, funny, sad and true.

“...***** a piece of absolute enchantment.” – The Scotsman

GURU OF CHAI plays 10th – 21st July 2012
KRISHNAN’S DAIRY plays 25th July – 4 August 2012
Both shows run Mon and Tues 7pm. Wed-Sat 8pm. No Show Sunday.
Rangatira at Q, 305 Queen Street, Auckland
Bookings – Q Theatre: 09 309 9771 or http://www.indianink.co.nz

ENDS

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