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Written by
Jacob Rajan & Justin Lewis -
Starring
Jacob Rajan & Jon Coddington -
Directed by
Justin Lewis
Having enchanted audiences in North America and at the Sydney Festival, The Court Theatre is delighted to welcome the latest production from legendary Aotearoa theatre company, Indian Ink: Paradise or the Impermanence of Ice Cream.
Take a wild ride to paradise with Indian Ink’s powerful new play about impermanence—of life, love … and ice cream! This glorious production is inspired by Ernest Becker’s Pulitzer prize-winning book, Denial of Death, and the vibrant, life–filled chaos of India’s most cosmopolitan city, Mumbai. Jacob Rajan delivers a dazzling solo performance as he channels seven characters, weaving the afterlife and a dash of Bollywood disco into the real-life mystery of India’s vanishing vultures. A man trying desperately to avoid death is flung between limbo and his past where a rebellious young woman holds the key that may guide him to paradise. Infused with serious laughter, exquisite puppetry and inspired sound design this show is guaranteed to melt your heart.
“Paradise or the Impermanence of Ice Cream is surely the first play ever penned about both vultures and ice cream. It’s also about life, death, love, thwarted ambition, religion, moneylenders, and chai.” – Sydney Morning Herald
“The standing ovation at the end was well deserved.” – Fun! Fun! Vancouver
“Written by Jacob Rajan (who stars in it) and Justin Lewis (who directs it), and inspired by Ernest Becker’s The Denial of Death, it comes to Sydney Festival from New Zealand’s Indian Ink Theatre Company, the other key collaborator being the gifted Jon Coddington, who made and operates the disarmingly lifelike vulture.” – Sydney Morning Herald
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Key Dates
- 6:30pm, Thursday 19 September 2024: Opening night
- 6:30pm, Tuesday 24 September 2024: Forum - a special performance where audiences get to ask cast and crew questions after the show
- 2:00pm, Saturday 28 September 2024: Matinee
- 7:30pm, Saturday 28 September 2024: Closing night
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Tickets
Standard Adult $49 Senior (65+) $44 Friends of The Court Theatre $42 Group (10+) 10% Discount* Child (under 18) $25 Community Services, Student ID or Hāpai Access cardholders $29 *Applies to Standard Adult, Friends, Child and Senior price tickets - Cast & Creatives
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Press Reviews
"Indian Ink productions are reliably excellent, and I appreciate that the Court Theatre has taken the opportunity to host the play, which has already toured extensively. Paradise, or the Impermanence of Ice Cream is highly recommended – even for the squeamish."
"...another brilliant theatre experience from this company, to enjoy and ponder."
"Paradise or the Impermanence of Ice Cream is a production not to be missed. Poignant, funny, and visually stunning, it is deeply rooted in tradition yet refreshingly contemporary in its execution."
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Audience Reviews (2)
"Brilliant performance by Jacob Rajan and excellent puppetry. Jacob is a tour de force. Deserved a standing ovation !! The court Christchurch audience is a hard nut to crack. We loved it and would definitely support any further India Ink productions. Bravo!!""Attending Indian Ink’s latest play was a breathtaking experience! From the moment the lights dimmed, Jacob Rajan captivated us with his astonishing ability to embody seven unique characters. The blend of profound themes inspired by “Denial of Death” and the vibrant spirit of Mumbai was seamlessly executed, making for a deeply moving yet wildly entertaining performance.
The play’s exploration of life’s impermanence, through the lens of a man’s journey between limbo and his past, was both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. The addition of Bollywood disco, the mystery of India’s vanishing vultures, and the rebellious young woman holding the key to paradise added layers of intrigue and joy.
The puppetry was exquisite, and the sound design was nothing short of magical, enhancing every moment and emotion on stage. I laughed, I cried, and I left the theater with my heart full. This show is an absolute must-see—guaranteed to touch your soul and leave you reflecting on the beauty of life and love."Submit Review