Prayas Theatre invites audiences to embrace the arrival of spring with its latest production, ‘Tiffin Box’, running live from October 8-12 at Auckland’s Basement Theatre. This vibrant performance promises to be a sensory delight, combining elements of theatre, poetry, stand-up comedy, music, and classical dance, featuring talented South Asian artists and their collaborators.
Much like the iconic tiffin box—known for its multi-tiered containers brimming with diverse and flavorful dishes—Tiffin Box serves up a rich array of sweet and spicy moments. The 70-minute show is a celebration of 19 years of Prayas Theatre, showcasing a unique mashup of 5-8 minute performances that blend South Asian culture with the dynamic spirit of Aotearoa.
Theatre
Manpreet Singh Real Estate by Aman Bajaj & Tim Booth: This satirical piece features Aman as a real estate agent navigating the absurdities of home ownership in Aotearoa, culminating in the downfall of a morally dubious character. Directed by Tim Booth and Aman Bajaj.
Wicked AMA (Ask Me Anything) by Namrata Mankame-Shanbhag: In this bold exploration of witchcraft, Namrata's character invites the audience to ask frank questions about witches, leading to a candid and humorous exchange. Directed by Sananda Chatterjee.
Surprise by Shekinah Jacob: An empowering ode to women's right to embrace their unpredictability, this piece celebrates self-acceptance and the beauty of imperfections. Performed by Arti Kansara and directed by Ashley Shillong.
Stand-Up Comedy
The Hottest 6 by Marzia Solarian: A multimedia artist and comedian, Marzia brings her unique perspective and humour to the stage.
Potions for Marital Bliss by Porvi Fomra: An aspiring comedian with a background in theatre and screen, Porvi shares her comedic take on marriage.
Both performers are alumni of the PACSA (Laughs), a platform for women and non-binary Pan-Asian creatives established in Auckland.
Dance
Aroha: Bharatanatyam dancers Natasha Trilokekar, Narme Deva, and Ahalya Sathiyaselvan explore their identities as Tauiwi in Aotearoa, drawing inspiration from Dr. Hinemoa Elder's book ‘Aroha’. This performance reflects their cultural roots through a Māori whakataukī.
Kautilya: Aayat Dance Co presents a Kathak performance that seamlessly combines expressive storytelling with rhythmic dance, showcasing the timeless elegance of this classical art form.
Poetry
Jayshri Ratnam: In a playful parody of Avril Lavigne's hit ‘Complicated’, Jayshri shares her experiences as a Fijian Indian New Zealander, navigating identity and cultural fusion.
Gemishka Chetty: Her powerful piece “Amma” delves into complex emotions and personal reflections.
Serena Mani: Through her poem “The Ocean Waves Carry Me Home,” Serena explores themes of heartbreak, acceptance, trauma, and healing, representing her diverse cultural intersections.
Music
Udaan: Singer-songwriter SAYEE collaborates with multi-instrumentalist Karen Plimmer to perform the beloved Bengali song ‘Aguner Poroshmoni’ by Rabindranath Tagore, complemented by a dance performance.
Aa bhi Jaa: This lively love song, written by SAYEE and Zorran Mendonsa, features a captivating duet with Karen on the piano.
Tiffin Box is not just a show; it’s a vibrant cultural celebration that promises to leave audiences inspired and entertained. With an array of performances that highlight the richness of South Asian culture and its connections to Aotearoa, this is an event not to be missed.
Hungry for more? Get your tickets now and prepare for an unforgettable evening at Tiffin Box!
Tickets available at Prayas Presents: Tiffin Box or Basement Theatre.
About Prayas Theatre
Prayas is a volunteer-driven, non-profit theatre company that was founded to present Indian theatre in English to a broader audience in Aotearoa. Its mission is to share and integrate with the region's cultural mosaic. Over the past 19 years, Prayas has grown into the largest South Asian theatre company and community cultural group, showcasing works from South Asia and its diaspora, both locally and internationally