By: Deboarah Eve Rea

Guru of Chai is a one-man (plus one-musician) show that transcends the ordinary and takes the audience on an unforgettable journey through the streets of Bangalore. Crafted by the brilliant Indian Ink Theatre Company, this production is a testament to the power of storytelling, humour and heartfelt human connection.

Jacob Rajan delivers a tour de force that captivates the audience from the moment they step into his theatre. Rajan effortlessly switches between characters, each with distinct voices and mannerisms in a masterclass of Beauty, Form, Entirety and Ease. His portrayal of the chaiwallah, Kutisar, is both endearing and multifaceted, drawing the audience into his world with charm and authenticity.

Guru of Chai is a rich tapestry of tales, woven together with humour, pathos and a deep understanding of human nature. The themes of love, loss and redemption resonate strongly, leaving a lasting impact. Rajan’s storytelling is complemented by a beautiful light touch of sleight of hand and prop magic, which adds a layer of visual delight and whimsy to the performance.

The script, co-written by Rajan and Justin Lewis, is sharp and evocative, filled with witty dialogue and poetic descriptions that transport the audience to the bustling streets of India. Adding to the immersive experience is the beautiful music played and sung live by Adam Ogle as brahmachari Dave. Ogle’s music not only enhances the atmosphere but also deepens the emotional resonance of the story, with his haunting melodies and soulful voice leaving a profound impact on the audience.

The characterisation of Dave is a significant creative choice as Ogle, in turn, serves as brahmachari for the play, using his music to connect the audience to the divine of the storytelling and thus, turns the Hannah Playhouse into an ashram where we, strangers in the audience, meditate upon shared breath and emotional response.

The minimalist yet effective set design, creates a dynamic stage that feels both intimate and expansive. Upon stepping into the theatre, I turned to my partner: “It smells like India.”
“It smells like good India,” he corrected.

The comedy of Guru of Chai is genuine and well-timed, providing much-needed levity amidst the more serious moments of the story.

I need to take a moment to pause my formal review to acknowledge my late Guru of Mask, Pak Nyoman Sukurta, who I know provided some inspiration to Rajan’s Guru character. I saw a flicker and a twinkle of Sukurta pass though Rajan and was reminded of Sukurta teaching me about taksu. He would have loved this show.

Guru of Chai at the Hannah Playhouse is a masterful blend of performance, storytelling and cultural exploration. Jacob Rajan’s extraordinary talent, combined with the innovative vision of the Indian Ink Theatre Company and the beautiful music by Adam Ogle, makes this production a must-see.

It is a reminder of the power of theatre to connect, inspire and transform. It is a performance that lingers in your heart and mind long after the standing ovation.