A Tupperware of Ashes

A Tupperware of Ashes

by Tanika Gupta
Originally produced at National Theatre
September  25, 2024 — November 16, 2024

An elegantly dressed South Asian woman in gold jewelry and a blue dressed smiling at the camera

Synopsis:

'I’m falling through a world which makes no sense' 

An ambitious Michelin-Star chef, Queenie is used to having the last word.

But when her children notice gaps in her memory and her grip on reality loosening, they are faced with an impossible choice. As Raj, Gopal and Kamala battle to reconcile their life-long duty to their mother, the ramifications of their decision take on a heartbreaking permanence.


Artistic Statement:A Tupperware of Ashes by Tanika Gupta exemplifies what we strive to do here at the National Theatre: to stage resonant new work from contemporary voices. Guided by our incredible New Work Department, this heart-breaking family drama about life, immigration and the Indian spiritual cycle of death and redemption is being brought to life for audiences to enjoy. The play explores universal themes that will resonate with people worldwide and, crucially, bring new audiences to the National Theatre. It is our mission to share stories that attract leading talent to make unforgettable theatre. The support of the Edgerton Foundation is vital in this mission, enabling us to give artists the time and space to realise their visions and create world-class theatre for global audiences.” – Rufus Norris, Director and Chief Executive

Creative team:

Director: Pooja Ghai

Playwright: Tanika Gupta

Set and Costume Designer: Rosa Maggiora

Lighting Designer: Matt Haskins

Composer: Nitin Sawhney

Sound Designer: Elena Peña

Illusions Director and Designer: John Bulleid

Movement Director: Anjali Mehra

Fight Director: Rachel Bown-Williams of Rc-Annie Ltd

Fight Director: Ruth Cooper-Brown of Rc-Annie Ltd

Casting Director: Naomi Downham

Staff Director: Layla Madanat

Cast:

Raj: Raj Bajaj

Kamala: Natalie Dew

Gopal: Marc Elliott

Doctor Young/Jeff/Security Guard/Pavel: Stephen Fewell

Indrani: Shobna Gulati

Jamila/Bureaucrat/Care Worker 1/Sanjivini: Avita Jay

Queenie: Meera Syal

Ameet: Zubin Varla