Indian Ink Theatre Company
Indian Ink Theatre Company is one of New Zealand’s most successful theatre companies with a reputation for “total theatre which offers humanity and psychological insight in a package of good plain laughs, luminous performances and brilliant staging” (Dominion Post, NZ).
For over two decades Jacob Rajan and Justin Lewis have pursued their idea of the ‘Serious Laugh’- opening mouths with laughter in order to slip something serious in along with a love of mask and story. The company blends western theatrical traditions with eastern flavours and has been critically acclaimed for its use of live music, heightened theatricality, humour, pathos and great storytelling.
Together with a team of long term collaborators they have created an extraordinary series of plays that have won awards and delighted audiences throughout New Zealand and around the world. The company’s international successes include tours throughout Australia and the USA, as well as sell out seasons in Singapore, Germany, India and the UK.
Indian Ink has won three Production of the Year awards, two Edinburgh Fringe First Awards, won Best Play, Best Composer and Best Actor at the Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards and broken box office records with tours throughout New Zealand, to Australia, Singapore and Edinburgh.
“We aim to make theatre that is beautiful, funny, sad and true. We go to the theatre to be transported by a great story and to enjoy characters who live large in our imaginations. We want the experience to leave an indelible imprint on your hearts. That’s why we’re called Indian Ink!”
Indian Ink’s Advisory Board
We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of our Advisory Board:
John Judge (Chair): Holds numerous Directorships including chair of Auckland Arts Festival and former Chair of ANZ Bank, Te Papa and Auckland Art Gallery.
John Gow: Well-known philanthropist and champion of the Arts. John is also a Trustee of Auckland Sculpture Trust and Rotoroa Restoration Trust.
Christine Fernyhough: Well-known philanthropist. Founder of Gifted Kids and Books in Homes.
Jude Hooson: Brand expert and author for the Providence Report on future trends.
Craig Anderson: Businessman and former Board Member of Q Theatre Ltd, Gifted Kids Programme and Books in Homes.
(Left to Right) John Gow, Jude Hooson, John Judge, Chrissie Fernyhough and Craig Anderson