What does it mean to be Indian, 65 years after Independence
SALAAM INDIA
A play inspired by Pavan Varma’s book, Being Indian
Directed by Lushin Dubey & written by Nicholas Kharkongor
The Indian stage and screen actor and director, Lushin Dubey arrives at Watermans with Salaam India, a play inspired by Pavan Varma’s bestseller, “Being Indian”. The play is presented as part of Watermans ongoing commitment to showcase international work from South Asia, and is being presented in the UK for the first time.
Salaam India reflects on what it is to be Indian sixty five years after Independence and how that is defined, through vignettes of different narratives linked together by a chorus of dancers. The show is performed mainly in English but there are scenes in Hindi.
Salaam India weaves together four different narratives set around the different strata of society in Delhi. The first is about a family eking out a living in a basti; the second one focuses on corruption and honesty; whilst the third deals with an American returned Desi’s view on horoscopes and arranged marriages. The final one sets out to determine the national dish of India – whether it is a vegetable samosa or an idli. Some stories are joyful and humorous while others are poignant, October 25, 2012dian!
An ensemble cast of four actors, play sixteen different characters, ranging from a Gujarati businessman, to an argumentative South Indian politician and a boisterous Punjabi, thus portraying the diversity of India’s regions and ideologies. Their stories share a collective hope and aspiration that drives the characters forward and set out to give an idea of India ‘springing out of its past into a modern global world’.
Everyone who has any links with India will love the show because it is so much about Indians! It is a racy play that says a lot about India and the people who live there and hail from there. And anyone who has ever travelled to India will recognize the foibles and eccentricities of the Indian character!
The cast features, Shena Gamat, (Dev D, Band Baaja Baraat); Ashish Paliwal (theatre actor); Andrew Hoffland (teacher & theatre actor) and Lushin Dubey (stage and screen actor, Rangrez, Murder Unveiled for which she won a Gemini and Othello in Black and White which won a fringe first at Edinburgh).
‘Absolutely delightful! Lushin and her team of actors are outstanding’ Shyam Benegal (filmmaker)
‘Brilliant!' Feroz Khan (theatre director)
“A theatrical achievement that breaks new ground” The Hindu
“Shines glowingly at its seams” The Pioneer Viva City
“Insightful, intelligent, illuminating” Metro Plus, Delhi
Watermans are indebted to the Indian Council for Cultural Relations for financial support in bringing this production to the UK.
October 23, 2012
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