Indian Ink’s Mammoth New Zealand Tour

Indian Ink’s Mammoth New Zealand Tour

Indian Ink Theatre Company Presents
The Elephant Thief
Written by Jacob Rajan and Justin Lewis.
Directed by Justin Lewis.

Prepare to be taken to the edge of the world and back when Indian Ink Theatre Company return with the riotous and colourful New Zealand tour of The Elephant Thief,heading to Nelson, Wellington, New Plymouth and Auckland throughout May, June and July 2016. With a brilliantly talented cast, futuristic story and the colossal task of bringing an elephant to the stage, Indian Ink will deliver an outrageous new production full of laughter and heartbreak.

“Hilarious, yet unsettling and thought-provoking… this is unmissable theatre. Revel in it.” – Waikato Times.

Imagine a future where India is the most powerful nation on earth.. When Leela Devi leaves her tribal home to see the world, she doesn’t expect her father’s elephant to follow her. As she battles corrupt officials, hungry poachers, fanatical leaders and supreme beings, an unlikely love story unfolds and a quiet revolution ferments.

The Elephant Thief is co-created by the enduring and successful partnership of Jacob Rajan and Justin Lewis, whose beloved works such as Kiss the Fish, Guru of Chai andKrishnan’s Dairy have seen them regularly touring the globe including the U.K., the U.S.A, Germany, India, Singapore, Australia and of course New Zealand. The Elephant Thief has been two years in the making and after a well-received premiere in Hamilton, NZ audiences will now have the chance to see this exuberant production.

Inspired by a trip to India, this timely piece weaves together elements of song, comedy and plenty of larger-than-life characters whilst touching on the more serious issue of humankind’s effect on this planet. With experts warning that elephants could be extinct in the wild within the next few decades, The Elephant Thief pays homage to this beautiful animal whilst painting a picture of a not-so-far-flung future.

Multi-talented composer and musician, David Ward, takes the creative role of Musical Director and composer. David has collaborated for over 10 years with the company and his atmospheric music is an integral part of the Indian Ink flavor. The ensemble sees the return of old favourites Nisha Madhan (Shortland Street, Blue Rose) and Julia Croft(The Arrival, Agent Anna) who charmed audiences in Kiss the Fish. Indian Ink also welcomes fresh new faces; taking the lead role of the Elephant’s owner is Vanessa Kumar (The Battalion, Peter Pan), alongside Jonathon Price (Don Juan, An Awfully Big Adventure) and Patrick Carroll (The Book of Everything, Alice in Wonderland).

Transforming the theatres into a wild mix of locations, and bringing the elephant to life give a fantastic challenge to the design team of Jane Hakaraia (Lighting design), Sarah-Jayne Blake and Stephen Bain (Set and Costume design).

“This wonderful combination of people has once again brought an entrancing piece to the stage… There is so much to savour that I want to see it again.” – Theatreview, Hamilton 2015

The Elephant Thief plays:
Nelson, Theatre Royal 11th - 12th May 2016
Wellington, Hannah Playhouse 18th May – 4th June 2016
New Plymouth, TSB Theatre 9th - 11th June 2016
Auckland, Q Theatre 15th June - 2nd July 2016

www.indianink.co.nz #wheresmyelephant

ENDS

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