We wouldn’t be where we are today without the incredible support of past and present staff, Board members, cast, creatives, interns, Patrons, and supporters. You are the heart of this company and we love you for it. Ngā mihi nui!
Jacob is a playwright, actor and founding partner of Indian Ink. In 1994 he became the first Indian graduate from Toi Whakaari: The NZ Drama School. In 2002 he was made an Arts Laureate by the NZ Arts Foundation and in 2013 was made a Member of the NZ Order of Merit for his services to theatre.
Justin is a playwright, director and founding partner of Indian Ink. With Jacob Rajan, their productions have won numerous awards including two Edinburgh Fringe Firsts and three Production of the Year Awards in New Zealand. In his work outside Indian Ink, Justin has written seven professionally produced plays. Justin is a graduate of the John Bolton Theatre School. In 2008 he received a Kaupapa Oranga Award for his services to theatre.
Jude has spent over 40 years in the arts, initially as a freelance performer with such companies as Limbs Dance Co and Mercury Theatre, before adding stage/production management and teaching. After 26 years at NZ Opera as Head of Artistic Administration, Jude was thrilled to be invited to join Indian Ink in 2016 and add a little more “drama” to her life.
Pene has been immersed in the Theatre and Arts Industry since childhood, having spent much time in the depths of various theatres around Auckland. This lead to completing degrees studying the industry from multiple sides, and developing experience in the creative process as it communicates within the performing arts. After working with theatres like Auckland Live and TAPAC, Pene is excited to be with Indian Ink Theatre Company.
Naomi’s background is in experimental, social justice oriented theatre, largely influenced by her time as an actor and project manager for Free Theatre Christchurch.
Throughout her career Naomi has continually witnessed how puppets and masks are vehicles for connection, transformation, and healing in the community.
Actor, writer and artist Te Huamanuka Luiten-Apirana (Ngāti Hikairo) grew up in Waikato and Te Tairāwhiti. After graduating South Seas Film School and The Actor’s Program, Manuka has acted in three’s hit drama “head high”, written award-winning play “Lip sync, kanikani, twerk off!”, and recently received Creative New Zealand’s Māori Emerging Artist Ngā Manu Pīrere award in 2021.
Actor and producer Olivia (Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Manu) saw her first Indian Ink show back in 2013. She’s extremely excited to now be a part of the Next Gen programme 10 years later and to be working as a Digital Marketer for the team. With a background in strategic management and marketing, she looks forward to applying these skills with her love for the arts.
Janhavi Gosavi is a Maharashtrain writer and performer based in Pōneke. Born in Mumbai, India, she moved to Aotearoa when she was 2 years old. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, History, and Cultural Anthropology from Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. In 2022 Janhavi was the editor of Salient Magazine. She is currently a freelance journalist who writes about society, arts, culture and issues that matter to rangatahi.
Producers-in-training is a Proudly Asian Theatre created and led initiative. Made possible with the support and in collaboration with Black Creatives Aotearoa and Alif Theatre, funded by the Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
Avi Lakhani has expertise in events, experiential marketing, and storytelling, Avi is excited to work as an assistant producer in upcoming productions with Indian Ink.
Serena Mani is a 24 year-old Actor who is currently in the process of finishing her Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts at Unitec. She was born in Fiji and grew up in Papakura, South Auckland. She is an Actor who also has a passion for Writing and Producing and is currently a Producing Assistant at Indian Ink. She has been apart of the Next Gen Programme and is currently apart of the Producers in Training Programme. She has a passion for storytelling and is excited to help represent and showcase stories that don’t often get seen from minority groups within Aotearoa.
Founder of Gandhi Nivas and past Founder and Director of Tamaki Health.
Businessman and former Board Member of Q Theatre Ltd, Gifted Kids Programme and Books in Homes.
Art Advisor, curator, global art project champion, and photojournalist.
Multi-award winning Behavioural Change expert and Leadership consultant with international experience working with global corporates on leadership, high-level conflict resolution, and DE & I services.
Digital Product leader with broad experience across a range of different digital areas. Proud supporter of LGBTTQIA+ communities.
Play Your Part in Our Success Story
For over 25 years Indian Ink has been making world class theatre. We’re driven by our love of the art and sustained by a group of supporters who are passionate about live performance.
