Set in Varanasi, India, with Sydney on its horizon, ‘Indian Embrace’ is a play based on a powerful cross-cultural tale. The play, which focuses on the bonding between two families from different backgrounds, is all set to debut in Sydney this August.
All about the cultural ties between two continents, India and Australia, the tragi-comedy brings to the fore issues of migration, co-existence and sustainability of culture.
‘Indian Embrace’ tells the story of Vikram, an elderly Indian aristocrat, and John, an Australian expatriate. The two share a good relationship and their friendship is stronger than family ties.
When Vikram’s daughter-in-law, Roopa, wants to immigrate to Australia and John’s family from Sydney family arrives for a reunion, tensions mount.
The clash of cultures stirs up painful memories and throws out new challenges. But ultimately the healing power of the River Ganges runs through their veins, dissolving all cultural barriers.
Off stage, the play brings together Neel Banerjee from Nautanki Theatre and director Lenore Robertson and Carol Dance.
Robertson first met Banerjee when she directed him in one of the scenes of this play for the ‘Sydney Short and Sweet Festival’ in 2013.
Banerjee has been actively involved in Australian-Indian theatre for more than a decade. He enjoys showcasing the dynamic and evolving culture of migrants in Australia.
Playwright Dance has received critical acclaim for her previous full-length play, Golden Soil (“Seriously good writing” – Oz Babyboomers; “Compelling” – Crikey.com).
Robertson is well known for her productions for Sydney’s Epicentre Theatre Company and more recently for the Australian Catholic University and Short and Sweetplays. She is supported by an accomplished production team including Pam Legge (costumes), Mary Bentley (props), Richard Neville (lighting design) and Mark Apolony (sound design).
Indian Embrace stars Ambika Asthana, Neel Banerjee, Shashidhar Dandekar, James Herrington, Steven Menteith and Lucy Rasheed.
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