The Mourning After; no walk of shame for NZ Sri Lankan director Tuesday, July 13, 2021 Sandeep Singh
Noted stage director Ahi Karunaharan is coming up with his second show extolling his Kiwi-Sri Lankan identity
The Mourning After, after having brought first such show almost a decade ago.
The Mourning After, which explores the complicated relationship many Sri Lankan New Zealanders have with their original homes a home that most were forced to flee from. Ahi first wrote the play 13 years ago when he wasn t able to return due to the war, and it s gained a fresh relevance today as much of South Asia struggles with the terrible COVID.
Theatre review: First World Problems 3.0, Basement Theatre
19 Apr, 2021 11:13 PM
3 minutes to read
Ayesha Heble delivered an emotional performance in opening segment Pearly Shells. Photo / John Rata Photography
NZ Herald
By: Ethan Sills
After a year s break due to lockdown, Prayas Theatre has returned with the third instalment in their annual anthology series, First World Problems 3.0. The 2021 edition, written during lockdown and devised earlier this year, is the first I ve seen, but the first two entries have been the types of shows to quickly build word-of-mouth buzz and are still spoken of highly.
Eighteen South Asian and Spanish migrant actors make up this year s cast, working with six new scripted and devised pieces, directed by FWP mastermind Sananda Chatterjee. The rapid pace of the show gives little room for an elaborate set, but Natasha Iyer s simple design allows the performers to take centre stage, as the stories hone in on a variety of diverse experiences.