A decade in development, a theatre work tracing the migration journey of an Indian family to Australia will be staged at Campbelltown Arts Centre in June, offering a multigenerational account shaped by lived experience and historical change.
‘Ten Years To Home’ tells the story of Rushikesh (Rushi) and Vasant Sheth, who moved from Mumbai to Melbourne in 1959, placing their experience within the broader shifts that followed the dismantling of the White Australia policy.
The play draws on playwright Sonal Moore’s own background, reflecting on her upbringing in the 1970s and the social conditions of that period. It centres on three generations of women in the Sheth family, presenting their perspectives as they navigate life across decades marked by cultural and societal change.
Produced through Nautanki Theatre’s Drama~Sutra playwriting project, the work was developed to address a gap in Australian theatre. When the company began work in 2015, it found limited representation of South Asian migration stories on stage. Artistic Director Neel Banerjee said, “Ten Years To Home is the first South Asian play commissioned that presents and explores early South Asian migration firsthand. It also the first play where South Asian audiences can see South Asian actors on stage telling an authentic migrant story.”
Banerjee said the themes extend beyond a single community. “At the end of the day it is a migrant story. And in a migrant society, these stories are deeply relatable for all audiences.”
The production has been recognised for its writing and performances, with ArtsHub noting, “The range of Indian accents on the stage – varying in region, dialect and thickness – encapsulates the universality of the playwright’s chosen themes, not just to the incredibly rich subtext that belongs to the Indian nationality, but also to the uniqueness of every migration story; no two are ever the same”.
The work has also been praised for its tone and structure. “Moore’s writing should be commended and celebrated. Her balance of comedy and drama, particularly through her dialogue, is masterful…Moore makes space for diasporas everywhere and of every complexion, using theatre as a platform for the passing down of knowledge, stories and culture”.
The Campbelltown season forms part of a wider effort to present work that reflects the demographics of Western Sydney. Banerjee said the region plays an important role in connecting metropolitan Sydney with surrounding areas. “Campbelltown holds a critical position as it has increasingly become a boundary between Western Sydney and the regions.”
Campbelltown Mayor Cr Darcy Lound said the production aligns with the city’s cultural identity. “We’re excited to welcome ‘Ten Years To Home’ to Campbelltown. Our city is shaped by its rich cultural diversity and strong migrant communities. It’s vital that we continue to present stories that reflect and connect with our local community. We invite audiences from all backgrounds to engage with this compelling work.”
Campbelltown Arts Centre Director Mouna Zaylah said the work reflects local audience experiences. “We’re pleased to present ‘Ten Years To Home’ by Nautanki Theatre, a work that captures the layered experiences of South Asian communities and their diverse multigenerational migration stories. It will resonate strongly with our local community, and it’s vital we continue to platform stories our audiences connect with.”
The production will run from 4 to 6 June 2026 at Campbelltown Arts Centre, featuring a cast including Reema Gillani, Taufeeq Sheikh, Shabnam Tavakol, Benita Roy and Manjit Kaur. The creative team is led by playwright Sonal Moore and director Neel Banerjee.
Nautanki Theatre, founded in Parramatta in 2012, has focused on developing contemporary works centred on South Asian stories within Australia, building a platform for artists and audiences seeking representation on the national stage.
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
