Curated by Ahilan Karunharan, Agaram Productions, Produced by Ankita Singh, Oriental Maidens - performed 17-21 July, 2018 at Basement Theatre Studio
A SOUTH ASIAN CREATIVE REMIX HOT ENOUGH TO STEAM UP YOUR WINTER
A collision of emerging South Asian artists is about to shake the floors of Auckland this July at Basement Theatre. Agaram Productions in association with Oriental Maidens and Prayas Theatre smashes together some of the newest and most exciting diverse South Asian voices and visions in contemporary performances. A constellation of experimental works woven together by critically acclaimed writer, director, actor, and producer Ahi Karunaharan (Tea, Swabhoomi, Shoulda Woulda Coulda, Northern Glow), propelling creatives to challenge the mainstream representations in Aotearoa.
Join the party as an opulent tapestry of stories sweeps you into the worldview of each performer in the cosy loft of Basement Theatre. With a foot in two worlds, each artist will lead you through the chaos of personal, political and artistic tensions which create their layered identities. Experience the love, gender politics, and stories of grief and celebration shared through a theatrical mix of dance, music, poetry… and a dash of spice.
Both Agaram and Prayas are no strangers to creating spaces for South Asian artists in Aotearoa. Fresh from its recent critically acclaimed season of Dara, Prayas has been creating outstanding work which showcase South Asian creatives since 2005 and Agaram more recently from 2013.
“First World Problems was created to amplify the South Asian voice. For our artists to make some noise, to change the tune and turn up the volume. It is my hope that our creatives take artistic risks, to try out new performance forms. We've done our share of 'Tourist Theatre' and I hope that our audiences get to experience a kaleidoscopic representation of form and content that speaks to us now in Aotearoa through a South Asian lens”
- Ahi Karunaharan, show Curator and Creative Director of Agaram Productions
A grassroots creative collaboration which will empower its performers, creators and audiences. First World Problems. A gathering. A challenge. An experimental remix of South Asian visions and realities.
REVIEWS
- Theatre Scenes
- Tearaway
Indian Weekender
Trailer
A short trailer for the show, shot during a rehearsal at Auckland Theatre Company's studio on Dominion Road
Gallery
Dhruv Mody opens the show playing the sitar, performing his piece "No String Attached", photo by Ankita Singh 2018
Dhruv Mody drinking a can of Thumb's Up during his piece "No Strings Attached", photo by Ankita Singh 2018
The cast take selfies during a transition, photo by Ankita Singh 2018
Mustaq Missouri performing his piece "The Audition", photo by Ankita Singh 2018
The cast dances during a transition, photo by Ankita Singh 2018
Shomudro Das aka Rotiboi performing thier piece "Yeah Boy, Yeah Boi", photo by Ankita Singh 2018
Porvi Fomra, Gayatri Adi and Shomudro Das performing a devised ensamble piece, photo by Ankita Singh 2018
Gayatri Adi performs her piece "Two Minds of Mine" while men from the ensamble stand in the background, photo by Ankita Singh 2018
Porvi Fomra performs her piece "Dial M for Meenakshi", photo by Ankita Singh 2018
The cast perform the closing scene telling us thier hopes for the future, photo by Ankita Singh 2018
Sudeepta Vyas holding an eletric diya during the closing scene, photo by Ankita Singh 2018
Show Program
To view a recording of the original production, please contact Ankita
