An adaptation of E. M. Forster’s classic novel A Passage to India will visit the Playhouse from the 6th-10th February as audiences are posed the question: how can we love one another in a world divided by race, power and religion?
This classic story is brought to life by award-winning theatre company Simple8, who create bold, new plays through movement, mime, live music, puppetry and magic to stage work that is inventive and daring.
A Passage to India is adapted and co-directed by Simon Dormandy, who created The Hudsucker Proxy, a co-production with Royal & Derngate seen at the Playhouse in 2015. The production transports audiences to Imperial India following the story of Aziz, an Indian doctor warned against becoming friends with the English. After ignoring the advice, Aziz finds himself in jail on a charge of sexual assault and racial tensions and prejudices are laid bare.
Original music is composed and performed live by legendary composer Kuljit Bhamra. One of the most prolific musicians, composers and producers on the British Asian music scene, Bhamra has worked on film and stage scores including Bend It Like Beckham and holds an M.B.E. for his services to Bhangra and British Asian music.
The cast features Maanuv Thiara as Mahmoud Ali, Liz Crowther as Mrs. Moore/Ralph, Matthew Douglas as Callendar, Christopher Doyle as McBryde, Hannah Emanuel as Mrs. Callendar/Stella, Tibu Fortes as Hamidullah, Richard Goulding as Fielding, Nigel Hastings as Turton, Asif Khan as Aziz, Edward Killingback as Ronny, Ranjit Krishnamma as Godbole/Das and Phoebe Pryce Adela. Music is performed live by Kuljit Bhamra and Asha McCarthy. The production is co-directed with Sebastian Armesto.
Gemma Bodinetz, artistic director at the Everyman & Playhouse said, “Having worked so happily and with such joyous results on the Hudsucker Proxy we are thrilled once again to be home to one of Simon Dormandy’s collaborations. This time he is working with the remarkable Simple8 and our regular regional co-producers Royal and Derngate on a contemporary re-imagining of E. M. Forster’s timely classic.”
A Passage to India visits the Playhouse for seven performances from the 6th-10th February. Tickets are on sale now and available at: https://www.everymanplayhouse.com/whats-on/a-passage-to-india or via the Everyman Box Office on 0151 709 4776.