Take a wild ride to paradise with Indian Ink’s powerful new play about impermanence – of life, love … and ice cream!
This glorious production is inspired by Ernest Becker’s Pulitzer prize-winning “Denial of Death,” and the vibrant, life–filled chaos of India’s most cosmopolitan city, Mumbai.
Jacob Rajan delivers a dazzling solo performance as he channels seven characters, weaving the afterlife and a dash of Bollywood disco into the real life mystery of India’s vanishing vultures.
A man trying desperately to avoid death is flung between limbo and his past where a rebellious young woman holds the key that may guide him to paradise.
Infused with serious laughter, exquisite puppetry and inspired sound design this show is guaranteed to blow your mind and melt your heart.
RUN TIME: 75 minutes (no interval)
Suitable for ages 10+ when accompanied by an adult. However the show is designed for adults and teens.
Jacob is a founding partner of Indian Ink and co-wrote all of Indian Ink’s plays as well as performing in many of them. He is a graduate of Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama school, Otago University (B.Sc Microbiology) and Wellington Teacher’s College. Jacob is an Arts Foundation Laureate and a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to theatre.
Jon is a theatre designer and collaborator, illustrator, animator and sculptor, but has been primarily working as a puppeteer and puppet maker for the past eight years. Highlights include hit show Puppet Fiction (2012-18) selling out everywhere it has performed.
Andrew has been a resident production manager with Indian Ink productions since 2017
Andrew is also the Director of Andrew Potvin Designs Ltd, specializing in producing and tour/production management for live events. With two decades of experience in the entertainment industry his portfolio of work spans across the globe including contracts in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Singapore and the USA.
Andrew holds an MFA (AUT 14′) in International Tourism Management and a BFA (CALARTS 09′) in Theatre Design and Management.
Adam Ogle is a guitarist, multi-instrumentalist and composer. He’s worked with Company of Giants, Whangarei Festival of Light & Art, Auckland Theatre Company and Young and Hungry. He received the ‘Frank Winter Memorial Award’ for outstanding contribution as a young instrumentalist.
Justin is a founding partner of Indian Ink. He has co-written and directed all of Indian Ink’s plays. He is a graduate of the John Bolton Theatre School and the University of Auckland.
Justin was one of the founders of Auckland’s Q Theatre and received a Kaupapa Oranga Award for his services to theatre.
Dramaturge for all of Indian Ink’s productions. Poet, critic and fiction writer, Murray has published many books. Worked for Living Theatre Troupe, Theatre Action, Half Moon Theatre (London), Town and Country Players (founder), and Mercury Theatre. Associate Professor (now retired) of Drama Programmes at Auckland University (1990-2014).
John has designed all of Indian Ink’s productions bar one. With over 40 years’ experience, John is a leading New Zealand stage designer with an extensive portfolio of work including productions with NZ Opera, Auckland Theatre Company, Silo Theatre, The Large Group and many others.
Elizabeth has designed costumes for New Zealand Opera, Auckland Theatre Company, NZ Festival and Auckland Festival, Silo, Court Theatre, Red Leap and Okareka Dance, Black Grace, Douglas Wright Dance, Michael Parmenter, Atimira, NZ Dance Company and the Royal New Zealand Ballet. She designed costumes for Pop-Up Theatre London for Edinburgh Festival.
David is a musician and composer for theatre and film who has enjoyed a creative collaboration with Indian Ink for over 20 years; composing, performing and musically directing 8 of their shows since 2004. In 2010 and 2014 he was awarded “Most Outstanding Composer” at the Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards for Guru of Chai and Kiss the Fish.
Bala Murali is a writer, filmmaker and videographer based in Tāmaki Makaurau. He is also an inaugural Arts Foundation Springboard recipient.
New Zealand playwright-performer Jacob Rajan explores mortality with an eerily lifelike vulture puppet
Auckland-based theatre artist Jacob Rajan has done something completely different as a cowriter and performer in an upcoming production at the Cultch.
“Jacob Rajan hands in an unforgettable performance in multiple roles, joined by a majestic vulture puppet”
