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Restrictions: All Ages

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Event Details

Oct 11

Toitoi - Opera House

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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 channeling 17 perfectly realised characters in this gripping romantic thriller inspired by the Indian fairy tale Punchkin by Joseph Jacobs.

Outrageously funny and heartbreakingly beautiful, with a killer live sound track, this is not to be missed.

Bought to you by the Indian Ink Theatre Company - one of Aotearoa’s most successful theatre companies, winning 13 national and international awards, critical acclaim, standing ovations and sell out seasons.


“Genius” – Stuff
“Flawless” – Sydney Morning Herald
“Nothing short of genius” - Time Out Singapore
“Sheer brilliance… a joy to behold” - NZ Listener
Winner: BEST ACTOR BEST COMPOSER BEST PLAY


See the programme here: ​​https://indianink.co.nz/guru-of-chai-programme/
Presented with the generous support of HBAF Patrons.

HBAF 2025 - Guru of Chai - Indian Ink Theatre Company 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.
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