By: Margaret Agnew (Stuff)

As if New Zealand needs any reminding that Jacob Rajan is a master storyteller.

But just in case, here’s another bold, beautiful offering from his nearly 20-year-old Indian Ink Theatre Company. Once again, the audience will quickly forget that it’s just one man on stage, as Rajan takes us on a journey through love, laughter, longing and loss.

A master of his art, Rajan is so talented and this story so heartfelt that it is able to walk, sing and even dance, all over that fine line between tragedy and comic caricature. His stamina seems unwaning, as he never takes a break in the non-stop 90-minute epic tale. There’s nowhere to hide on this minimalist set. The sweat he mops from his brow becomes real and the oppressive 40-degree heat tangible as he readily conjures the chaotic atmosphere of a Bangalore train station, where the tale begins.

Rajan, who wrote the play with director and company co-founder Justin Lewis, plays 17 characters throughout this tragic love story set in modern India. However, these men, women and children are all really being portrayed by one character: the Guru, the master chai wallah, Kutisar.

Inspired by the Indian fairytale Punchkin, as well as a real-life Balinese shadow puppeteer, Guru of Chai has entertained audiences around the world and picked up awards for best composer, actor and New Zealand play of the year on its debut in 2010.

A few touches of audience participation were delightfully done, from flirting and mind-reading to wayward parrot-wrangling. My hasty notes are peppered with phrases like: Thoroughly enjoyable; Incredibly clever use of props; Amazing talent; Just wow.

The guru’s adopted brother’s music was seamless, as onstage instrumentalist Adam Ogle complemented the action with his impressive musical skill, even while his expressive face made him at once part of the play but also the audience. Yet somehow, he never distracts or detracts from the focus of centre stage, with award-winning composer David Ward’s evocative score.

From all those years ago with Krishnan’s Dairy to last year’s Kiss the Fish, the work of Rajan has been a gift to New Zealand theatre which has marked him as a national taonga. Genius is not too weighty a word.

The production’s standing ovation on opening night was richly deserved. You won’t regret spending an evening with the Guru.