Bangalore-based artist Sri Vamsi Matta will bring his interdisciplinary performance ‘Come Eat With Me’ to Australia this October, with its Australian premiere at Campbelltown Arts Centre. The work uses theatre, food and storytelling to explore caste, community and resilience, culminating in a shared meal that encourages connection and reflection.
The performance draws on Dalit histories and contemporary experiences, offering audiences an intimate and participatory insight into oppression, solidarity, grief and joy. Through inter- and intra-communal eating, Vamsi transforms the simple act of sharing food into a space for discussion and community building, challenging dominant narratives often told through the perspective of oppressors.
“Much of the art made about caste is filtered through an oppressor’s lens, often reducing our stories to pity or pain. My work resists that,” Vamsi said. He emphasises that the performance is created from a place of power and dignity, reclaiming visibility for Dalit bodies, histories and experiences. The performance concludes with a communal meal featuring chicken curry, Andhra-style lentil soup and steamed rice, reinforcing the connection between culinary traditions and cultural memory.
Following a successful U.S. tour and a residency at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Vamsi will undertake a two-week research and community engagement residency at Campbelltown Arts Centre ahead of the Australian performances. Campbelltown City Mayor Darcy Lound noted that the city’s cultural diversity makes it an ideal home for the performance, adding that it provides an opportunity for the community to engage with important stories and learn from one another.
Campbelltown Arts Centre Director Mouna Zaylah said the venue is proud to host Vamsi’s residency and Australian debut, inviting audiences to engage with timely conversations and be moved by this immersive work. Vamsi, who co-founded arts collectives OffStream and Perishable Goods, has previously created works addressing Dalit student experiences and anti-caste narratives, highlighting resilience and systemic critique through theatre and art.
‘Come Eat With Me’ will be performed on Friday 10 October and Saturday 11 October 2025 at 6:30pm at Campbelltown Arts Centre. The performance contains adult themes including references to violence, death and discrimination. It is supported by Arts House, Campbelltown Arts Centre, H_ME W_RK, and the Nagarajan-Lew Fund for independent artists.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
