Guru of Chai has been described as a work of genius.
The contradictions of modern India, with its iPhones and ancient gods, come alive in this much-loved play from one of New Zealand’s finest performers.
A poor chai-wallah (tea-seller) has his life changed forever when a young girl is abandoned at a busy railway station and brings the place to a standstill with the beauty of her singing.
Jacob Rajan stars as a buck-toothed Guru, dispensing dubious spiritual wisdom while channelling 17 perfectly realised characters in this gripping thriller.
Outrageously funny and heartbreakingly beautiful, with a killer live sound track, this is not to be missed.
Winner: BEST ACTOR BEST COMPOSER BEST PLAY
RUN TIME: 80 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.
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.
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.
The wisdom of the Guru Kutisah is good for what ails you.
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.
