Founded by Justin Lewis and Jacob Rajan (MNZM) 27 years ago, Indian Ink is now one of Aotearoa’s most successful theatre companies – winning 13 national and international awards, critical acclaim, standing ovations and sell out seasons. Since 1997 their original plays have enriched the lives of over 510,000 people. Alongside a whanau of multi-talented artists, Indian Ink creates vibrant, fresh, culturally diverse theatre that combines artful storytelling, mischievous wit and theatrical magic in a way that celebrates our differences and connects us through our shared humanity.
A Note from Justin & Jacob
We met Nyoman Sukerta in Bali. He was a master mask dancer and shadow puppeteer and inspiration for our Guru. A squat little man who moved with astonishing grace and fluidity; always smiling, always laughing, a weakness for beer and cockfighting, steeped in the traditions and nuances of shadow puppetry and mask yet desperate to have a Facebook page. Gently worried about his growing paunch, his ambition toward wealth and status were at odds with his desire to go fishing at every opportunity. Indulged his children, exasperated his long-suffering wife – the man literally danced into our lives, and onto the pages of this play as a fully formed character. Sadly, Nyoman died in 2014 but we hope his spirit lives on in this play.
In Bali we experienced the arts as part of daily life; alive in all sorts of contexts, needing only the simplest of technologies yet displaying incredible sophistication of form. The island and the people inspired us. The world of the street carts and hawkers where ancient and modern collide informed the world of our Guru.
The challenge given to David Ward, our composer, was the one we wrestled with ourselves. How to convey multiple locations, the chaos and complexity of contemporary India and a story that spans decades? He must have got something right. David’s efforts earned him “Composer of the Year” in the 2010 Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards. That same night, Jacob picked up “Actor of the Year” and the show scooped “NZ Play of the Year.”
Such a fairytale reception seems fitting for a play, itself inspired by an Indian fairy tale – “Punchkin.” This story got under our skin with its rich cast of characters and complex morality but its sprawling narrative held us at bay for some time. The breakthrough came when Murray Edmond encouraged us to set the story in modern India. We focused on just a part of that original story and suddenly we found we had a romantic thriller.
We hope you enjoy your audience with the Guru.
Justin Lewis & Jacob Rajan
Kuitsar – Our Guru
Officer Punchkin (later Minister Punchkin)
Balna – One of the Seven Sisters Imran – Balna’s Husband Little Imran – Balna & Imran’s Child
The Fakir Thumby – a local gangster
Dave – a mute musician
“The Tale of Punchkin: A Lesson in Kindness and Caution” is part of a collection of Indian fairy tales from the late 19th Century.
Chai is a traditional Indian beverage.
Guru is a term used in Indian culture to refer to a spiritual teacher or guide who possesses deep knowledge and wisdom in a particular field.
We sit down with Director and Co-writer of Guru of Chai Justin Lewis to get some behind the scenes thoughts on the show.
We sit down with Performer & Co-writer of Guru of Chai Jacob Rajan to get some behind the scenes thoughts on the show.
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.
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.
Sam is the Director of Creative Ambiance Stage Technologies Ltd (CASTL.nz). A talented designer and stage technician, his specialty lies in musical theatre and building bespoke technical systems to amplify storytelling in new and creative ways.
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.
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.
JUDE FROUDE – General Manager PENE LISTER – Producer NAOMI CAMPION – Administration & Development Manager TE HUAMANUKA LUITEN-APIRANA – Next Gen Programme Leader OLIVIA BRINKMANN – Digital Marketer
Addington Law, Adele Mason, Ainsley Walter & Mark Stewart, Alison Blain, Anne & John MacVicar, Andrea Crichton, Anne Coney, Barbara Netten, Bev & Geoff Pownall, Bridget & Simon Tompkins, Catherine Atchison, Chrissie Fernyhough, David Lowe, Deborah & Ross George, Di Le Cren & Graeme Edwards, Felicity & Ivan Willis, Gail & Stephen Hofmann, Georgie Knight, Gill & Brian Walker, Lady Gillian & Sir Roderick Deane, Graham Howie, Hanna Scott & Craig Anderson, Hannah Maschler (Legacy donor), Helen Klisser During, Helen Moody & Jeremy Edwards, Jane Cherrington, Janet Clarke & John Judge, Jasvinder Singh & Bryce Keith, Jenny & Andrew Smith, Jenny & Ray McElroy, Jill Oakley, Jo & John Gow, Kate & Hanlin Johnston, Laila Harré & Barry Gribben, Lancely & Jeffrey Law, Malcolm Don, Margaret Lee, Marianne Infante, Mike Rudd, Pippa MacKay & Paul Stanley-Joblin, Ranjna & Kanti Patel, Ravi & Prabha Ravi, Rebecca Turner, R F Morrison, Ros & Philip Burdon, Sondra Wigglesworth, Sue Haigh, Susan Taylor, Susie & Richard Rowntree, Trish & John Gribben, Valmai Shearer
Ranjna Patel (Chair), Craig Anderson, Helen Klisser During, Sarwat T Ebbett & Liz Miller
Jacob Rajan (Chair), Justin Lewis, Craig Anderson
Helen Cisowski, Sam Mence & Molloy (CASTL), the amazing venue teams, Susheela, Isaac, Dominic & Nina Rajan, Philippa Woods, Rachel Nash
The wisdom of the Guru Kutisah is good for what ails you.
Rajan who takes on the delightful role of the guru as well as 17 characters in Guru of Chai, says the play is based on an Indian fairy tale.
Guru of Chai is a taste of the real magic of theatre, a wonderful performer telling a story which makes you laugh, shows you magic, and touches your heart.
