TITLE SPONSOR WITH
by Jacob Rajan & Justin Lewis
Indian Ink Theatre Company
Great theatre lives here.
BMO is pleased to support the Grand Theatre and the artists that are captivating audiences with exciting, innovative, and entertaining productions.
We’re proud to sponsor the Grand Theatre's 2025/26 Season.
Welcome to the Grand Theatre
We’re so glad you’re here.
The Grand Theatre acknowledges that we are located on the traditional territories of the Original storytellers and caretakers of this land, and of the Nations, both settler and Indigenous, who continue to uphold the various treaties of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, and Lunaapéewak.
In London, our treaties include the 1796 London Township Treaty and the 1822 Longwoods Treaty. The London Township Treaty was a regional treaty signed by diplomats representing all parties living on the land, which today we know as Southwestern Ontario. The Longwoods Treaty was signed by representatives of the Crown and the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and covers approximately 580,000 acres in the area.
Locally, there are three First Nations Communities. They are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, the Oneida Nation of the Thames, and the Munsee Delaware Nation. We would also like to recognize the growing Indigenous urban population, comprised of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people, and affirm our commitment to welcoming these communities to the Grand Theatre, while working to remove barriers to access and participation.
We value the significant historical and contemporary contributions of local and regional First Nations, and all of the Original Peoples of Turtle Island (colonially known as North America), and acknowledge the traditional lands upon which we live, work, share, and tell stories together.
Designed by Katie Wilhelm
WELCOME
Immersive theatre removes the division between audience and stage—calling on the audience to meet the experience with all five senses, and clearly articulating that each performance is unique, influenced by the particular confluence of people on any given day. When done with the kind of expertise exemplified by Indian Ink, immersive theatre amplifies the best of what theatre is—community-building, experiential, and the opportunity to get lost inside of a story.
This show came to my attention thanks to Grand Board member Anita Shah, who had seen it in Toronto and immediately thought of how it could fit in the Auburn. In some ways, the idea is so simple—we are invited to a party that has a beautiful and meaningful story woven through it. At the same time, the cultural specificity feels like a gift. Those who celebrate Onam, or other similar harvest festivals, can take joy in celebrating publicly through this play and through sharing traditions with their fellow audience members. For those for whom it is a completely new experience, there is a generosity of being welcomed into traditions which are not our own, as a real guest rather than a voyeur.
We cannot, however, ignore the beauty and depth of the story woven inside the party. The idea of raising a child to be completely at home in your adopted country, only to suffer the heartache of what they are missing of the homeland, is familiar for so many parents. The desire to give your child wings so that they can fly while then aching for their everyday presence. The gift of this show, though, is the reminder that not all family is the family you are born to, and that the family you create— the family we create in this theatre if only for a few hours—has meaning too.
This show, and the idea of immersive theatre in the Auburn, is an experience I would love to share with as many Londoners as possible. After you leave today, please do give a thought about who you would like to invite to the party.
RACHEL PEAKE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
photo by mai tilson
SEASON SPONSOR DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY PARTNER
PUBLIC FUNDERS
TITLE SPONSORS
PROGRAM SPONSORS
PRODUCTION SPONSORS
LONDON MADE SPONSORS
SPRIET STAGE SPONSORS
COMMUNITY SPONSORS
auburn Stage, February 25 to March 7, 2026
Opening Night: February 26. 2026
PRODUCED
AND CREATED
BY INDIAN INK THEATRE COMPANY
Written
directed
By
Justin Lewis
By Jacob Rajan & Justin Lewis
Starring Kalyani Nagarajan & Justin Rogers
set design By John Verryt
costume design By Fiona Nichols
lighting design by Jane Hakaraia
sound design by Lia Kelly dramaturgy by murray edmond
PRODUCTION & TOUR MANAGER Andrew Potvin
GENERAL MANAGER Jude Froude
PRODUCER Pene Lister
ADMIN & PROJECTS MANAGER Naomi Campion
NEXT GEN PROGRAMME LEADER Te Huamanu ka Luiten-Apirana
MRS KRISHNAN'S PARTY runs 75 minutes without an intermission.
ARTISTS
Kalyani Nagarajan
Actor
Kalyani is a graduate of the New Zealand Drama School. This is Kalyani’s second role with Indian Ink following 2017’s The Pickle King. She has worked extensively on stage with Auckland Theatre Company and Auckland Live. Kalyani is a player for New Zealand's top improv companies—Snort, Heartthrobs, and Live Reel. Her screen credits include Raised by Refugees, B rokenwood Mysteries, Give Me Babies, and more. Nagarajan is currently in development writing her first television show, The Drama Department, and a feature film, Revenge.
Justin Rogers
Actor
Justin also features in Indian Ink’s recent production of “Dirty Work.” Other stage credits include The Cherry Orchard and Beauty and the Beast His screen work includes Meet Me at the Baptistery as well as voicing for Disney in Te Reo for The Lion King, Frozen, Coco and Encanto. Justin is a graduate of Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School.
Instagram: @justinrogersnz
Justin Lewis
Writer & Director
Justin is a founding partner of Indian Ink. He has co-written and directed all of Indian Ink’s plays. He was one of the founders of Auckland’s Q Theatre and received a Kaupapa Oranga Award for his services to theatre. Justin is a graduate of the John Bolton Theatre School and the University of Auckland.
Jacob Rajan
Writer
Jacob is a founding partner of Indian Ink and co-wrote all of Indian Ink’s plays as well as performing in many of them. He is a graduate of Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama school, Otago University (B.Sc Microbiology), and Wellington Teacher’s College. Jacob is an Arts Foundation Laureate and a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to theatre.
John Verryt
Set
and Props Designer
John has worked on all of Indian Ink’s productions. With over 30 years’ experience John is a leading New Zealand stage designer with an extensive portfolio of work including NZ Opera, Auckland Theatre Company, The Large Group, and many others.
k alY a NI Nagaraja N
j u S t IN rog E r S ju S t IN l EWIS jaC ob raja N joHN VE rrY t
ARTISTS
Fiona Nichols
Costume Designer
This is Fiona’s second production for Indian Ink after her work on The Pickle King She works mainly in film and television with credits including Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, and Spartacus.
Jane Hakaraia
Lighting Designer
This is Jane’s third production with Indian Ink following on from Welcome to the Murder House and The Elephant Thief Jane holds a degree in product design but her passion is lighting for theatre.
Lia Kelly
Sound Designer
This is Lia’s first production with Indian Ink. They won an award for ‘Most Innovative Work’ at the 2018 Wellington Fringe Festival and is part of Playshop - a late night improv group. Lia recently completed his Masters in Fine Arts in Creative Practice at Victoria University.
Murray Edmond
Dramaturge
Murray has been dramaturge on all of Indian Ink’s productions. A poet and founder of Town and Country Players (NZ), Murray has recently retired from his role as Professor of Drama at The University of Auckland where he headed the drama programme.
D. Andrew Potvin
Production & Tour Manager
Andrew has been a production manager with Indian Ink since 2017 and is also the Director of Andrew Potvin Designs Ltd, specializing in producing and tour/production management for live events. With two decades of experience in the entertainment industry his portfolio of work spans the globe including contracts in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Singapore, and the USA. Andrew holds an MFA (AUT 14') in International Tourism Management and a BFA (CALARTS 09') in Theatre Design and Management. Instagram: @dapotvin
f IoN a NICHol S ja NE H akara I a
l I a k E llY murra Y EDmoND
D. aNDr EW Pot VIN
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The Kahani Wali Collective is a vibrant group of women who have joined together to invest in storytelling that inspires and entertains. Their collaboration is a blend of shared heritage and cultural pride.
ANITA SHAH
SHAH FAMILY FOUNDATION
MS. RITU SHAH
DR. BOGESWARI VENKATESAN
MS. SULO SAMUEL
MS.IRENE PINTO
MS. MADHU SANWAL
MS. LEEMALA RAGUBANCE
DR. JATINDER TAKHAR
DR. BHOOMA BHAYANA
DR. ZAHRA KASSAM
MS. ROXANNE PERSAUD
MS. FAZEILA PRABHAKARAN
DR. CHITRA PRASAD
MS. ANITA SHARMA
MS. MINNI SINGH CORRINE RAHMAN
Notes from the Writers Recipe
The Dahl in Mrs Krishnan’s Party
Everyone loves a good party; endless laughter, catching up with friends, dancing on tables. But what if you don’t know anyone and feel self-conscious about your dancing? What if you’re not feeling a box of birds? Do you stay home or fake it till you make it? How do you set yourself free? Onam is such a great celebration because it shows there is more to happiness than just a smile, that to know joy you must also feel sorrow, without death there can be no rebirth. Maybe a party can change your life; you may meet someone who gives you the courage to set yourself free or shows you the resilience required to be truly happy. Thanks for coming out tonight.
- JUSTIN LEWIS
For the uninitiated Krishnan’s Dairy was the name of our very first play. A love story set in a corner shop, the power of which caught everyone by surprise – including us. That shop has kept its doors open for almost 30 years, touring the length and breadth of New Zealand and throughout the world, becoming as loved and cherished as a child. The story you’re taking part in tonight is somewhat of a sequel, but don’t worry, you don’t have to have seen Krishnan’s Dairy to enjoy the party. All you need is here, in the strangers that surround you and the imagination that abounds within, and the wonder of what’s going to happen next. That moment of not knowing, of being lost and confused, excited and a little scared is really what tonight is about: change. Something has to die in order for something to be renewed. It’s a tough lesson but a constant, existing at every stage of life and extremely present for us in a world that seems to be spinning ever faster. Rather than bemoan how hard it is to get to grips with all this shifting sand we want to celebrate the new castles we will build from it. Party on!
- JACOB RAJAN
1 cup red lentils
2 cups of water
1/4 tin canned tomatoes (or a chopped tomato)
1 clove garlic
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 small white onion
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp chilli flakes
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1. Add lentils, tomatoes and garlic to a pot of boiling water. Reduce to a simmer and cook until lentils are soft, about 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, fry the onions in vegetable oil until they are almost translucent. Add the garlic, turmeric, garam masala, and cumin and chilli flakes and fry for another minute.
3. When the dahl is cooked, add in the onion mix and stir.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve the dahl alongside rice or roti, or, if like us you can’t wait –eat it straight from the pot.
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Rachel Peake
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Lyndee Hansen
ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATION
PRODUCER
Christine Gruenbauer
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER & COMPANY MANAGER
Vanessa Spence
APPRENTICE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Nicole Wilson *
EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
DIRECTOR
Breanne Ritchie
ADMINISTRATION
IT DIRECTOR
Barb Whang
TESSITURA ADMIN
Britt Duncan
EXECUTIVE & ADMIN ASSISTANT
Ben Leibovitz
OPERATIONS
BUILDING MANAGER
Mike MacDonald
ASST. BUILDING MANAGER
Aaron Simmons
HOUSEKEEPING
Patricia Sexsmith
Ben Storie
SECURITY
Ankit
Shannon Goneau
Marty Peterson
Luke Morrison
John Whitty
FINANCE
SENIOR MANAGER
Alison von Krause
FINANCE ASSISTANT
Pauline Hare
FINANCE ASSOCIATE
Charmain Callender
MARKETING & DIGITAL STRATEGY
DIRECTOR
Lia Karidas
DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST
Gwen Blackwell
MARKETING PROJECT MANAGER
Kyle Greenwood
COMMS & P.R. MANAGER
Melissa Mae Shipley
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Meghan Falco
Kira McCallum
MARKETING INTERN
Evan Rogers
DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTOR
Heather Siskind-Levite
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Monica Coddington
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & RENTALS COORDINATOR
Jacob Wiley
INDIVIDUAL GIVING COORDINATOR
Farrell Tremblay
PATRON SERVICES
FRONT OF HOUSE
MANAGER
Ali Samuel
LEAD BARTENDER
Mackenzie Bishop
BAR & BEVERAGE
Mackenzie Bishop
Ahri Diaz
Michaelanne Hathaway
Haleigh Paschink
Peter Trigg
Hannah van-Alphen Fyfe
Emma Vanderkuyl
Emma Wilson
Lisa Wright
Helen Zhang
BOX OFFICE
SUPERVISOR
Denise Hay
REPRESENTATIVES
Brittney-Lee Lowey
Karen McDonald
Cheryl Willison
PRODUCTION
DIRECTOR
Paul Fujimoto-Pihl
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR - SCENIC
Julia Callon
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR - STAGE
Sonja Niedermaier
PRODUCTION DRIVER
Jim Doucette
APPRENTICE PRODUCTION
MANAGER
Jenylle Rufin †
PROPERTIES
HEAD OF PROPS
Natalie Kearns
PROPS BUILDER/BUYER
Natalie Tsang
WARDROBE
HEAD OF WARDROBE
Lisa Wright
CUTTER
Elisabeth Mastrandrea
ASST. TO THE HEAD OF WARDROBE
Meghan Choma
SEWER
Lacie George
Julia Nelham
APPRENTICE
Rae Hutchinson *
SCENIC CARPENTRY
HEAD SCENIC CARPENTER
John-Michael Plester
INTERIM HEAD SCENIC
CARPENTER
Zac Barker
2ND SCENIC CARPENTER
Jonathan Tschirhart
SCENIC CARPENTER
Josh Mindorff
SCENIC ART
HEAD SCENIC ARTIST
Richard Lawler
SENIOR SCENIC ARTIST
Craig Guthrie
APPRENTICE
Emma Gray *
SPRIET STAGE
HEAD STAGE CARPENTER
Rory Leydier
HEAD OF AUDIO
Aaron Ouellette
HEAD OF FLYS
Jared Whitty
HEAD OF LIGHTING
Liam Arbogast
HEAD STAGE WARDROBE
Sarah Tracy
AUBURN STAGE
HEAD TECHNICIAN
Steve Allen
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIR
Matt Parr
VICE-CHAIR
Nicole Blanchette
PAST CHAIR
George Kerhoulas
TREASURER
Jamie Campbell
SECRETARY
Anne Toal
DIRECTORS
Christopher Alleyne
Sukhveer Bains
Robert Bierbaum
Carl Cadogan
Blair Fantillo
Ron Koudys
Jennie Kraehling
Beck Lloyd
Jen Matthews
Tyler Reavell
Jane Scholes
Dr. Robert Sokol
Katie Wilhelm
FOUNDATION BOARD
CHAIR
Ron Koudys
VICE-CHAIR
Jamie Crich
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Bill Assini
DIRECTORS
Tom Burnett
Dianne Cunningham
Elizabeth Drewlo
Chris Jackman
George Kerhoulas
Peter Markvoort
Matt Parr
Bob Schram
Anita Shah
MAR 24 TO APR 12 APR 28 TO MAY 24
PICTURED: BILLY LAKE. COSTUME DESIGN BY JUDITH BOWDEN.
PHOTO BY MAI TILSON.
