GURU OF CHAI
BY INDIAN INK, NEW ZEALAND
DATE & TIME:
22-23 August 2026 SAT & SUN, 3PM & 730PM
VENUE:
The Theatre Lab @ Agam
TICKETS : $40 Std & $28 Student/Senior Citizens
DURATION : 1 Hr 20min (No interval)
LANGUAGE : English
SURTITLES : NA
RATING ADVISE : 10 and above
ADVISORIES : NA
SYNOPSIS
Guru of Chai has been described as a work of genius. The contradictions of modern India, with its iPhones and ancient gods, come alive in this much-loved play from one of New Zealand’s finest performers. A poor chai-wallah (tea-seller) has his life changed forever when a young girl is abandoned at a busy railway station and brings the place to a standstill with the beauty of her singing.
Jacob Rajan stars as a buck-toothed Guru, dispensing dubious spiritual wisdom while channelling 17 perfectly realised characters in this gripping thriller.
Outrageously funny and heartbreakingly beautiful, with a killer live sound track, this is not to be missed.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION:
Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards (2010):
Winner: Production of the Year (NZ Play of the Year).
Winner: Actor of the Year (Jacob Rajan).
Winner: Composer of the Year (David Ward).
Other Recognitions:
Nominated for the Stage Award for Best Actor at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Part of Indian Ink’s collection of works that have garnered 13 national and international awards
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Presented by: indian Ink, New Zealand
Commissioned by : Agam Theatre Lab
Playwrights: Jacob Rajan & Justin Lewis
Dramaturg : Murray Edmond
Production & Stage Manager: Sam Mence
Composer : David Ward
Sound Design: Adam Ogle
Publicity Design: Inidan Events SG
Set and costume Design: John Verryt
Photography: Brandon
Videography and Marketing Materials: Seyyon Media
Cast : Jacob Rajan & Adam Ogle
ARTISTE INFORMATION
Indian Ink, New Zealand
Indian Ink is one of New Zealand’s most successful theatre companies. Founded by Justin Lewis and Jacob Rajan (MNZM) over 29 years ago, it has generated 13 national and international awards, critical acclaim, standing ovations and sell out seasons. Since 1997 over 544,100 people have had their lives enriched by their original plays. Alongside a whānau of multi-talented artists, Indian Ink creates vibrant, fresh, culturally diverse theatre that combines artful storytelling, mischievous wit and theatrical magic in a way that celebrates our differences but connects us through our shared humanity. This truly unique style promotes community and fosters empathy in audiences across cultures.
Jacod Rajan - Playwright and Cast
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.
Justin Lewis - Playwright
Justin is a founding partner of Indian Ink. He has co-written and directed all of Indian Ink’s plays. He is a graduate of the John Bolton Theatre School and the University of Auckland. Justin was one of the founders of Auckland’s Q Theatre and received a Kaupapa Oranga Award for his services to theatre.
Adam Ogle - Musician and Performer
Adam Ogle is a guitarist, multi-instrumentalist and composer. He’s worked with Company of Giants, Whangarei Festival of Light & Art, Auckland Theatre Company and Young and Hungry. He received the ‘Frank Winter Memorial Award’ for outstanding contribution as a young instrumentalist.
Sam Mence - Production and tour manager
Sam is the Director of ARC Productions. A talented designer and stage technician, his specialty lies in musical theatre and building bespoke technical systems to amplify storytelling in new and creative ways.
Murray Edmond - Dramturg
Dramaturge for all of Indian Ink’s productions. Poet, critic and fiction writer, Murray has published many books. Worked for Living Theatre Troupe, Theatre Action, Half Moon Theatre (London), Town and Country Players (founder), and Mercury Theatre. Associate Professor (now retired) of Drama Programmes at Auckland University (1990-2014).
John Verryt - Set and costume design
John has designed all of Indian Ink’s productions bar one. With over 40 years’ experience, John is a leading New Zealand stage designer with an extensive portfolio of work including productions with NZ Opera, Auckland Theatre Company, Silo Theatre, The Large Group and many others.
David Ward - Composer
David is an instrumentalist, improviser and composer for theatre and film, who has enjoyed a fruitful creative collaboration with Indian Ink for over 20 years.
He has composed, performed and musically directed 9 of their shows, twice receiving “Most Outstanding Composer” at the Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards (Guru of Chai and Kiss the Fish).