Indian Ink Theatre Company
Indian Ink has become one of New Zealand’s most successful touring theatre companies performing in every major New Zealand theatre and city since 1997; from intimate black boxes to 800+ Lyric theatres. Return seasons sell out before opening and the company has broken box office records on the way to a total audience of more than 175,000 people. Indian Ink has toured internationally to great success and won two Fringe First Awards from the two trips to Edinburgh.
Founded in 1997 by Jacob Rajan and Justin Lewis, the company was a team of long term collaborators who combine to make work that is beautiful, funny, sad and true. The ‘Serious Laugh’ (using laughter to open the audience to deeper themes) is central to the company’s approach along with a love of mask and of story. The 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.
The company’s first three plays (Krishnan’s Dairy, The Candlestickmaker, The Pickle King) have been published by Victoria University Press and the works are taught in secondary school and university drama departments. The company has also been acclaimed for its business practises being frequently cited as a benchmark for excellence, innovation, flexibility and sustainability.
Indian Ink has five productions in repertoire that are proven in domestic and international touring. Currently Indian Ink is developing another new production due to premier in late 2010.
Jacob Rajan and Justin Lewis- Directors, Writers, Performers Louise Gallagher - Producer David Ward - Musician Anna Drakeford - Technical Manager Murray Edmond - Dramaturge John Verryt - Set and Stage Designer
“Such is the power of Jacob Rajan’s groundbreaking work it changes the way you see the world. All New Zealanders should see it.†NZ Listener
