Auckland’s innovative theatre group Prayas is set to stage their own play at the end of August.
After performing plays by others, director Amit Ohdedar has written Khoj – the Search, a comedy that explores the migrant dilemma.
Prayas collected tales from migrants that Ohdedar wove into a comedy-drama.
Khoj – The Search, an English language play, tells the story of Jamshed, who leaves India for New Zealand and tries to make a new life here, while his parents in Mumbai pine for him.
In Auckland, he has found a few friends and possibly love, but he is challenged by many problems, the main being the toilet; sitting versus squatting. This affects various aspects of his life, leading to the threat of being fired, therapy, legal advice and even hypnosis.
Ohdedar was inspired by the best-selling author Rohinton Mistry’s collection of short stories, Tales from Firozsha Baag.
He was touched by the story of a Parsi migrant in Canada trying to come to terms with the difference in culture and lifestyle.
“Khoj raises some serious questions through humour. Jamshed’s ‘toilet issues’ are used as a metaphor for adapting to the adjustment issues in a new country,” Ohdedar said.
The play includes highly visual dance sequences to underscore the tale.
For the first time, perhaps, Prayas combines traditional Indian dance with the Maori poi dance.
Prayas earlier plays, Charandas Chor and The Terrace, were well received when performed and the idea of doing their own has been a challenge.
“It was an ambitious thought,” Ohdedar said.
He worked with co-writers Sananda Chatterjee and Poorna Prakash with the help of dramaturge Fiona Graham.
Khoj – The Search runs at TAPAC, the Auckland Performing Arts Centre, 100 Motions Road, Western Springs, from August 27 to 30.
Book tickets at www.tapac.co.nz and for more visit www.prayas.co.nz