The exciting new production from Prayas

The exciting new production from Prayas - “Do you know how hard it is to squat on a sitting toilet?!”

Prayas brings you Khoj – the Search, a comedy that explores the migrant dilemma. Auckland Indian theatre group ‘Prayas’ has collected tales from migrants that director Amit Ohdedar has woven into a comedy-drama.

Khoj – The Search, an English language play, tells the story of a young Parsi man Jamshed Balsara, who leaves India for New Zealand to make a new life here.
Before leaving, he promises his anxious parents that if he isn't completely settled in New Zealand within five years, he will return home.

The play begins in his fourth year in NZ and we see a Jamshed who on the surface appears to be thriving in Auckland having found a job, friends and even love. However, he is also a troubled man as there is one last seemingly impossible hurdle that he must overcome in order to be able to call himself a 'true kiwi' and thus remain here. This problem threatens every area of his existence including his job and friendships and sees him seek therapy, legal advice and even hypnosis!

The inherent traumas of migration is pursued by the play in a humourous way that uses metaphoric and allegoric devices in order to initiate discourse on the apparently simple act of moving from one country to another

Ohdedar was inspired by the best-selling author Rohinton Mistry’s collection of short stories, Tales from Firozsha Baag.

“Khoj raises some serious questions through humour. Jamshed’s ‘toilet issues’ are used as a metaphor for adapting to the adjustment issues in a new country,” Ohdedar said.

Incorporated into the play are a few dance sequences that at one point combines traditional Indian dance with the Maori poi dance.

Khoj – The Search runs at TAPAC, the Auckland Performing Arts Centre, 100 Motions Road, Western Springs, from August 27 to 30.

Book tickets at www.tapac.co.nz

ENDS

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