The Guru of Chai by the Indian Ink Theatre

Just went for a play yesterday night with Ms W......been waiting for this theatre group from NZ to return after watching their play - The Pickle King in 2007!!!! It was excellent then.
So when I heard that they were returning again with a new play , entitled The Guru of Chai - I called Ms W and went to buy the tickets!!!



The synopsis:

Enlightenment is at hand
Once every millennia there comes a teacher who awakens us all to the power of the divine. But if you can’t wait that long, book an audience with the Guru of Chai! A spiritual leader who will sell you a cup of tea, charm you with his infectious smile, and take away all that is wrong with your life. Enlightenment is at hand.

A poor chaiwallah’s (tea seller) life is changed forever when a young girl is abandoned at a busy railway station and brings the place to a standstill with the beauty of her singing. An honest young policeman falls hopelessly in love but is rejected in favour of a disreputable poet. The contradictions of modern India with its iphones and ancient gods form the backdrop to this story about the dangers of keeping your soul locked in a cage.

Award winning actor Jacob Rajan combines with musician David Ward to bring this intimate epic to life . Outrageously funny and heartbreakingly beautiful, the “Guru's magical elements all add up to a very captivating, moving piece of theatre." Kate Ward Smythe, Theatreview

"The Guru of Chai showcases Jacob at his very best and reinforces him as one of NZ's most hard working, deserving, disciplined and gifted theatre artists--Kate Ward Smythe, Theatreview

I loved it!! Jacob Ryan is so super hilariously funny and talented at the same time...its like a guy having a monologue but playing multiple roles at the same time....and the fact that they use the concept of 'serious laugh' , using laughter to open the audience to deeper themes, is pretty unique. This company blends western theatrical traditions with eastern flavours and has been critically acclaimed for its use of live music, heightened theatricality, humour, pathos and great storytelling.

It was well worth the money and effort!!! Would totally recommend this play to everyone I know and I would say, please support this theatrical company for they are worthy of praise!!!!

Check out their website: www.indianink.co.nz