Set just after India’s landmark decriminalisation of homosexuality in 2018, the 60-minute play will take to one of the stages of the boundary-breaking Summerhall.
When handsome, successful, mummy’s-boy Rajesh is sent on a visit to India, he encounters Naresh in a steamy Mumbai nightclub. Naresh is an awkward yet endearing craftsman – and definitely not the wife Rajesh’s mother hoped he’d find.
Sparks fly, but cross-cultural clashes and the distance of two continents make Rajesh wonder if his love story, involving taking a man back to meet his mum, can ever have a happy ending…
When: 3-14th August
Where: Old Lab, Summerhall
Who:
Arjun Singh – Creator & Producer
Sophie Cairns – Director
Brahmdeo Shannon Ramana – Rajesh
Madhav Vasantha – Naresh
James Ireland – Writer
In 2019, the founder of ŠITE Productions Sophie Cairns invited Arjun Singh to write a short play as part of a variety performance. ŠITE Productions strives for greater diversity and inclusion in the world of theatre. It is this ethos that allowed Arjun the freedom to create the world and characters of Rajesh, Naresh, Geeta (Rajesh’s Mum) and Billy (Naresh’s best friend).
On completion of the original 10 minute play, ŠITE Productions entered a devising process with the ensemble – organising a series of workshops and interviews representing both Queer British Asians and older generation Indians. The piece debuted at the Theatre Deli for a sold out performance and is now part of The Edinburgh Fringe selected by Summerhall, as well as Camden Fringe.
Says Singh ‘I created a love story which is still taboo for many families and communities. We’re keen to bring an important message across as well as make people laugh real life cultural experiences.”
Contact Niki Wheeler or Jessica Sherman at TEAM LEWIS for a chat with Arjun Singh.
