The best theatre is transformative. New Zealand’s vibrant Indian Ink Theatre Company takes transformation a step further in its production of Mrs. Krishnan’s Party, a unique one-of-a-kind theatre experience, where the audience is a part of the stage and effectively, a part of the play.
This acclaimed production at Marin Theatre invites audiences to join the festivities as Mrs. Krishnan prepares to celebrate Onam–garlands decorate the ceiling and dahl simmers on the stove as actors juggle cooking and music. This innovative theatrical celebration of life transforms Marin Theatre’s Boyer Main Stage with a major makeover into the back room of a convenience store, with audiences seated onstage.
Indian Ink Theatre Company performs at Marin Theatre March 19-30. IC’s Anuj Chakrapani spoke to Indian Ink’s Jacob Rajan about the production.
IC: We understand Mrs. Krishnan’s Party is actually an “immersive” theatre experience, where the audience is a part of the stage and sit/stand alongside the artists as they perform. Tell us about this unique concept?
Jacob Rajan: Yes, Mrs. Krishnan’s Party breaks the fourth wall completely. The audience isn’t just watching: they become a third character and they are absolutely essential to the drama and the celebration. The set is designed like the backroom of a convenience store, and people are seated all around—some even help prepare the food on stage! It’s interactive, spontaneous, and each performance is a little different depending on the energy of the crowd. It’s about bringing people together, just like a real festival.
IC: How fascinating, and this is a sequel to Krishnan’s Dairy, your first play, isn’t it? What made you revisit that fascinating play from 25 years ago?
JR: Absolutely — I wrote Krishnan’s Dairy while I was at drama school in New Zealand. Dairy is a uniquely Kiwi term for convenience store and that play was, essentially, a love story set in a corner shop. We wanted to explore what had become of the widowed Mrs. Krishnan after all these years. She was such a rich character, and we felt there was more story to tell. Revisiting her gave us a chance to reflect on how immigrant identities evolve, how communities shift, and what it means to find belonging in a new place. It’s like catching up with an old friend after a long time.
IC: Coming back to Mrs. Krishnan’s Party, why did you pick Onam as the backdrop? Do you have a personal connection with the festival?
JR: Onam is a harvest festival from Kerala, in South India, that celebrates the cycle of death and rebirth, homecoming, abundance, and togetherness. It felt like the perfect metaphor for what we wanted this play to be—a joyful gathering where people from all walks of life come together to eat, laugh, and connect. I’m from Kerala, the mythology of Onam and the joyous spirit and themes contained within it—hospitality, generosity, and renewal—really resonated with me personally and was something I wanted to share.
IC: Tell us about your lead actors Kalyani Nagarajan and Justin Rogers and how it has been collaborating with them?
JR: Kalyani and Justin are a phenomenal duo. Kalyani brings such warmth and depth to Mrs. Krishnan—she’s funny, fierce, and heartfelt all at once. Justin, playing James, brings boundless energy and charisma. They were in the same year at Drama School together and share an amazing chemistry. Their ability to adapt and improvise with the audience is what makes each show magical. Collaborating with them has been an absolute joy.
IC: And finally, any unforgettable moments you would like to share from during the creative journey of Mrs. Krishnan’s Party?
JR: There have been so many! One that stands out was a performance where a young man spontaneously started dancing on a table along with Mrs. Krishnan—it turned into a real party! Another time, an older woman felt moved to hug Mrs. Krishnan when she talked about the loss of her husband. Moments like those remind us why we do this—to celebrate differences but connect people through their shared humanity.
Mrs. Krishnan’s Party is written by Jacob Rajan and Justin Lewis, co-founders of the Indian Ink Theatre Company, one of New Zealand’s most successful theatre companies founded over 27 years ago. Indian Ink creates vibrant, fresh, culturally diverse theatre that combines artful storytelling, mischievous wit, and theatrical magic in a way that celebrates differences but connects through our shared humanity – a truly unique style promotes community and fosters empathy in audiences across cultures.
Mrs. Krishnan’s Party features actors Kalyani Nagarajan as Mrs. Krishnan, and Justin Rogers as James, a university student aching for a DJ career. Kalyani Nagarajan has worked extensively on stage with companies such as Auckland Theatre Company, Indian Ink Theatre Company, Agaram Productions, and Auckland Live. Her screen credits include “Raised by Refugees,” “The Brokenwood Mysteries,” “Tales of Nai Nai,” and more. Justin Rogers has performed with Indian Ink Theatre Company and Auckland Theatre Company. His screen credits include voicing for Disney in Te Reo for The Lion King, Frozen, Coco, and Encanto.
Jacob Rajan (Playwright) is an award-winning actor, playwright, and co-founder of New Zealand’s Indian Ink Theatre Company. His acclaimed productions include Krishnan’s Diary, The Candlestickmaker, The Guru of Chai, Kiss the Fish, and The Dentist’s Chair. In 2003, Jacob won a Best Actor Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for The Pickle King. On screen, he has starred in Kiwi series such as “Outrageous Fortune,” “Shortland Street,” and television movies “Hilary and Fish Skin Suit.”
Justin Lewis (Playwright/ Director) is a playwright, director, and co-founder of Indian Ink Theatre Company. With Jacob Rajan, their productions have won numerous awards including two Edinburgh Fringe Firsts and three Production of the Year Awards in New Zealand. In his work outside Indian Ink, Lewis has written seven professionally produced plays.
March 19-30, 2025 at Marin Theatre, 397 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley. Tickets ($47-$97, plus a $6 handling fee per total order) at MarinTheatre.org or by calling 415-388-5208