Stunning History of Indians in New Zealand Comes to Life

Stunning History of Indians in New Zealand Comes to Life on Stage

Prayas Theatre Company presents
Swabhoomi: Borrowed Earth
Conceived & Directed by Ahi Karunaharan, with Assistant Director Sananda Chatterjee

Well-known for brightening the stage with their comedic and satirical works, Prayas Theatre Company have developed a poignant and emotive piece in the all new Swabhoomi: Borrowed Earth. The beloved Auckland company will present a full season of this moving show, coming to TAPAC from May 25th – June 4th.

From the first Indians to arrive in Aotearoa, Prayas Theatre follows their tracks, through the generations, through the country’s modern history. Sharing the 150 years that Indians have grown and learnt in New Zealand, right up to the political issues that even now mark out what it is to be a migrant in New Zealand, Swabhoomi merges theatre, movement, puppetry, poetry and music; seeking to develop from talks and debate, what it is to be an Indian Kiwi.

Seamlessly fusing together, the serious with light-hearted moments, Prayas explores the intricacies of the Kiwi-Indian experience, from migrants who dug gold in the Otago rushes to digging up vegetables in Pukekohe today. Not shying away from the gritty issues of immigration, the stories told range about the lives of Indians during the Capital’s early days while facing the backlash of white extremists who did not want them there, right through to the dilemma of students facing deportation today.

A team of 18 performers will weave together the stories of numerous migrants, unpacking the journey of coming to call New Zealand home. Swabhoomi, will use an eclectic mix of Indian and Western music, sonically translating the fusion of cultures into an enriching experience for audiences.

Born in the UK, bred in Aotearoa, and with extensive experience in both countries, creator and director Ahi Karunaharan is a familiar face in the arts sector having worked on many shows and festivals, and with various venues and production companies. In addition to his acting and directing credits, Ahi is also the founder of Agaram Productions, which curated and produced the first ever South Asian Writers’ Festival and the critically acclaimed production of Mumbai Monologues for the Auckland Pride Festival.

Sananda Chatterjee once again lends her wisdom to the project, stepping in as Assistant Director for Swabhoomi. Joining the company over ten years ago, Sananda has moved up the ranks, from an usher to assistant director of 2015’s critically acclaimed A Fine Balance and her solo directorial super hit debut last year, Love N Stuff.

Presented on stage for the very first time, tickets to this very special show go on sale from May 1.

Swabhoomi: Borrowed Earth plays
Thu 25 May – Sun June 4
Venue: TAPAC, 100 Motions Rd, Pt Chevalier
Tickets: $25 - $30
Booking: http://www.tapac.org.nz/

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