The Father and the Assassin

By Anupama Chandrasekhar
Originally Produced at National Theatre, London, UK
From May 12, 2022


The story of the man who murdered Gandhi.

Nathuram Godse: journalist, patriot, murderer.

The Father and the Assassin is a gripping new play that traces Godse’s life over 30 years during India's fight for independence: from devout follower of Mahatma Gandhi, through to his radicalisation and their tragic final encounter.

Director Indhu Rubasingham (The Great Wave) reunites with Anupama Chandrasekhar, one of India’s most exciting playwrights, for this essential exploration of oppression and extremism.

Artistic Statement: The Father and the Assassin is a play that has been in development with the National Theatre since its writer Anupama Chandrasekhar, one of India’s most exciting playwrights, was our first International Writer in Residence in 2016.

It is an epic exploration of India’s struggle for independence, the events leading up to the assassination of Gandhi in 1948, and the life and motivations of his assassin Nathuram Godse. Chandrasekhar deftly weaves a fictionalised version of historical events with an examination of extremism, the principles of tolerance and acceptance vs violence, and the mindset of a killer.

It will be the first time the National Theatre has had a play both written and directed by women of South Asian heritage on our flagship stage. While many of our audience will know the basic details of Gandhi’s life and violent death, few British audiences will have been given the opportunity to delve deep into this monumental moment in our Colonial/post-Colonial history, and to explore the political and social effects of Godse’s actions. - Rachel Quinney, Producer

Grant Statement: By supporting three shows in the National Theatre’s re-opening season – one in each of our theatres on London’s South Bank – the Edgerton Foundation has made an extraordinary commitment to our organisation and the artists who create work here.

As we began to emerge from the devastating effects of Covid, the support, faith and enthusiasm of the Foundation allowed us to plan with confidence. It enabled us to invest in developing the work of contemporary artists who are creating new plays that touch on topics as diverse as the rise of the far right, modern marriage and the assassination of Gandhi.

We are incredibly grateful for the Foundation’s friendship and feel very lucky to work alongside you. - Rufus Norris, Artistic Director


Director: Indhu Rubasingham
Set and Costume Designer: Rajha Shakiry
Composer: Siddhartha Khosla
Sound Designer: Alexander Caplen
Lighting Designer: Oliver Fenwick

Cast: Sagar Arya, Ankur Bahl, Paul Bazely, Ayesha Dharker, Marc Elliott, Ravin J Ganatra, Dinita Gohil, Irvine Iqbal, Nadeem Islam, Tony Jayawardena, Anish Roy, Sid Sagar, Shubham Saraf, Peter Singh, Maanuv Thiara