Indian Ink heads to Melbourne w Krishnan’s Dairy

Media release

Date: 10 October 2005

Indian Ink heads to Melbourne with Krishnan’s Dairy

Indian Ink Theatre Company heads to Melbourne next week to present its much-loved play, Krishnan’s Dairy, in the Malthouse Theatre, one of Australia’s top performing arts venues.

A joint production between Indian Ink and Melbourne producer John Paxinos, the season is also supported by Creative New Zealand. Running from 19 to 30 October, it’s a direct result of Indian Ink’s showcase performance at the 2005 Asian Arts Mart in Singapore in June – and just one of a flood of invitations to perform in Hong Kong, Toronto, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Budapest and Adelaide.

When Mr Paxinos saw the showcase excerpt of The Candlestickmaker at the Asian Arts Mart, he was so impressed that he travelled to New Zealand to see the company’s other plays, Krishnan’s Dairy and The Pickle King, as well as the full-length production of The Candlestickmaker, during the recent Trilogy of Indian Ink seasons in Auckland and Wellington.

Reviews have described Krishnan’s Dairy as “large-spirited, beautifully performed, utterly touching” (Financial Times, Britain); “an outstanding play ... exquisitely balanced” (The Australian); and “a piece of absolute enchantment” (The Scotsman).

Justin Lewis, Producer and Director of Indian Ink Theatre Company, says that Krishnan’s Dairy has sold out in theatres all over New Zealand and been seen by 47,000 New Zealanders. It’s also captivated audiences at Tasmania’s 10 Days on an Island festival and the Castlemaine State Festival in Victoria.

“The two previous Australian seasons were sold out and judging by the reactions of those audiences, Melbourne theatre-goers will embrace the story, theatricality, humour and pathos of Krishnan’s Dairy,” Lewis says.

“I’ve been working to get into the Australian market for several years and the Asian Arts Mart was a circuit-breaker for us, putting our work in front of key Australian presenters.”

Creative New Zealand organised and funded a New Zealand presence at this year’s Asian Arts Mart, which was attended by international festival directors, producers, presenters and venue managers – all at the market to buy works that caught their eye.

Cath Cardiff, Manager, Audience and Market Development, Creative New Zealand is delighted at the response from international directors to Indian Ink’s work.

“This outcome illustrates the benefits of New Zealand having a strong, consistent presence at international markets such as the Asian Arts Mart,” she says. “Indian Ink’s performance was the hit of the showcase programme and their performance has opened important international doors.

“Taking part in these markets is about building international audiences and markets for New Zealand distinctive performing arts. A lot of business gets done, connections are made and invitations extended.”

ENDS

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